How’s this for a little trade deadline action? The Miami Dolphins, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN, are set to trade wide receiver Isaiah Ford to the New England Patriots, of all teams. The news comes with just over an hour before the NFL’s 2020 trade deadline and offers a surprising twist for the Dolphins, who have been presumed to be buyers if anything when the NFL deadline rolled around.
A rare intra-division trade: Dolphins are trading WR Isaiah Ford to the New England Patriots, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 3, 2020
The move offers the Patriots an additional body to rotate in amongst their worn out receivers. The compensation for Miami has yet to be reported — but with the other pieces Miami has in the wide receiver room between rookies Lynn Bowden Jr. and Malcolm Perry, Ford’s role will be fairly easily filled. The Dolphins have seen Ford catch just three passes over his last three games; and his snaps have plummeted as the Dolphins have weaned the two rookies into the playing rotation. Ford played just 17 offensive snaps against the Rams, a season low. His previous season low? 18 snaps, which was logged the week before in a game against the Jets that saw him offer no production as a receiver.
Ford has been on and off the Dolphins’ active roster intermittently for several years — and this is the culmination of his journey with the team. As the Dolphins look for more dynamic athletes and players who can win against man coverage, Ford clearly was pushed further down the totem pole.
Miami fans should not fret about the loss of Ford; although he was an admirable worker and his path to the NFL will inspire after spending time on the practice squad, Miami has plenty of options to fill the role — all with more upside. And that’s why this deal makes sense, even if it involves a swap with the Patriots.