NFL.com grades a pair of Miami Dolphins 2021 player trades

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The Miami Dolphins have been plenty busy already this offseason. Not only has the front office been heavily scouting a busy first 50 selections in the 2021 NFL Draft, the team has signed a slew of free agents to take care of secondary needs on the team and landed a big fish wide receiver in Will Fuller via free agency as well. But the

Benardrick McKinney Trade

Terms:

Dolphins receive LB Benardrick McKinney & 2021 7th-round selection
Texans receive DE Shaq Lawson & 2021 6th-round selection

“Houston’s grade: C
Miami’s grade: B

A former Pro Bowler, McKinney wanted out of Houston and got his wish. He missed all but four games a year ago due to a shoulder surgery, but looms as a plug-and-play starter for Miami beside Jerome Baker at inside linebacker. Houston dumps his $28.5 million salary through 2023 in exchange for Lawson, an enticing first-round athlete yet to fully realize his promise. The Dolphins have landed a proven asset; the Texans are hoping Lawson’s best stuff is still to come.” – NFL.com

If McKinney is able to recapture his prior form as a player, this may end up being an even bigger win for the Dolphins. Both players give you the feeling that they are what they are at this point in their careers. Lawson plays the more valuable position. But McKinney is the better player.

Isaiah Wilson Trade

Terms:

Dolphins receive OT Isaiah Wilson (since cut) & 2022 7th-round selection
Titans receive 2021 7th-round selection

“Miami’s grade: F
Tennessee’s grade: D

A wretched mess. Three days after officially acquiring the flat-lining first-rounder, Miami released Wilson to the wind. It didn’t take the Dolphins long to realize what Tennessee learned through his painfully ponderous rookie campaign: Wilson doesn’t appear enamored with the concept of a career in the National Football League. I’m giving the Titans a “D” because they score no points for completely botching last year’s chance at a first-round talent.” – NFL.com

The wheels on this trade have completely fallen off already. The deal is processed. And Wilson has already been cut. But giving the Dolphins an ‘F’ for a trade that offers no negative financial implications and only a deferred 7th-round draft pick seems a bit harsh. This was a no risk, all reward deal for Miami. But no reward doesn’t make this a complete failure for the Dolphins — it was still good process to take the calculated risk.