Tag: Jeff Wilson Jr.

Dolphins restructure RB Jeff Wilson’s contract

Dolphins lower RB Jeff Wilson’s cap number in restructure.

Last offseason, the Miami Dolphins re-signed their entire running back room, including Jeff Wilson Jr., who rejoined on a two-year deal worth $6 million.

Wilson was set to have a $3.67 million cap hit in 2024, and with the Dolphins needing as much room as they can get, they’ve opted to restructure the running back’s contract, according to the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson.

With the original $3.67 million cap hit, there was a chance that the Dolphins would’ve cut him to save some money, as they’re already returning Raheem Mostert, De’Von Achane, Salvon Ahmed and Chris Brooks for the upcoming season.

In 10 games last season, Wilson rushed for 188 yards on 4.6 yards per attempt and brought in 14 receptions for 85 yards for Miami.

Now, with this restructured contract, Wilson is more likely to make the roster, as the Dolphins could keep all five on the 53-man again.

 

Grading the Dolphins running backs after their 2023 season

A look at how Miami’s RBs performed this year.

The Miami Dolphins finished their 2023 campaign with an 11-6 record and made the postseason for the second time in as many years under head coach Mike McDaniel. Unfortunately, it came to an end with a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the wild-card round.

While other teams are in the midst of their playoff run, it’s time to do some reflecting on the team in South Florida.

Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll be reviewing and evaluating different positions for the Dolphins in 2023. Today, we’ll look at the running backs.

Dolphins DL Christian Wilkins calls RB Jeff Wilson ‘a psycho’

Christian Wilkins endearingly calls his RB “a psycho.”

The Miami Dolphins have a number of leaders around their locker room who provide different things and lead in different ways.

Some are more vocal while others show it with their work. For running back Jeff Wilson Jr., it’s a bit of both.

On Friday, Wilson was given the opportunity to give the pre-game speech before the Dolphins’ battle with the New York Jets, and he got the group fired up.

This week, defensive lineman Christian Wilkins was asked about the pre-game speeches. How are they chosen, and how does he feel about Wilson’s?

“It’s kind of just like a vibe thing, but it’s nice when Jeff gets in there because he’s a psycho,” Wilkins said. “I love Jeff. I love hearing from him. He’s all ball and I don’t know who pisses him off before every game or before he touches the ball, but it’s a fun thing to watch him play.”

Wilson is one of those leaders who can pump guys up with his voice and his play.

On the field, he’s a force. He hits holes hard and forces defenders to consider whether they truly want to take on the responsibility of trying to bring him down.

So, while some may not enjoy being labeled a “psycho” by their teammate, in this case, it’s a term of endearment.

Dolphins beat up on the Jets, win 34-13 in first Black Friday game

Miami downs the Jets to earn their 8th win of the season.

The Miami Dolphins were given the opportunity to play in the NFL’s first Black Friday game against the New York Jets, and they earned a 34-13 victory.

Miami’s offense, once again, appeared to be just a tick off. At one point, they were down to just one starting offensive lineman, with left tackle Terron Armstead suffering a quad injury, left guard Isaiah Wynn on injured reserve, right guard Robert Hunt dealing with a hamstring and right tackle Austin Jackson ejected.

Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa completed 70% of his passes for 243 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions, including an ugly pick-6. He wasn’t really able to build much chemistry with his pass catchers outside of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.

The duo of Waddle and Hill combined for 17 receptions for 216 yards and a score. Hill could’ve even had another score, as Tagovailoa placed a beautiful fade right into his hands, but it was dropped.

The Dolphins also committed to the run game, especially in the second half. Raheem Mostert had the most touches, rushing for 94 yards on 4.7 yards per attempt, and he found the end zone twice for his league-leading 12th and 13th scores. However, it was Jeff Wilson Jr. who was the more efficient back, rushing for 56 yards on 5.1 yards per carry. He also added another 17 yards on three receptions.

Defensively, Miami was lights out.

Their front was putting consistent pressure on Jets quarterback Tim Boyle, as he was hit 12 times. Christian Wilkins finished with two sacks, Emmanuel Ogbah had 1.5, Jaelan Phillips had one, Da’Shawn Hand had one, Zach Sieler had one and Raekwon Davis had a half-sack.

The front also limited Breece Hall and Dalvin Cook to just 27 yards on a combined eight rushes.

Jevon Holland returned a Hail Mary attempt by Boyle for a 99-yard touchdown before the half that really took any momentum away from the Jets after they intercepted Tagovailoa on back-to-back drives.

Linebacker Jerome Baker also recorded an interception on a ball that was tipped by Xavien Howard.

Unfortunately, things weren’t all great for the Dolphins’ defense, as Phillips suffered a non-contact injury that the team announced was to his Achilles. He was carted off the field while he was surrounded by his teammates.

Miami may have won and improved to 8-3, but it’s tough to feel great about it with Phillips news, as it feels like it could be very serious.

The Morning After: Dolphins sweep Patriots to improve to 6-2

A look back at Miami’s sixth victory of their 2023 campaign.

The Miami Dolphins defeated the New England Patriots on Sunday 31-17 at Hard Rock Stadium and swept their divisional rivals for the 2023 season.

Miami scored a touchdown in each quarter and even made some history along the way.

Wide receiver Tyreek Hill had yet another huge game, and on a catch that put him over 100 yards for Sunday, that same reception hit the 1,000-yard mark for the year in just his eighth game of the season. He became the first player in the Super Bowl era to surpass 1,000 receiving yards in his team’s first eight games.

Hill had eight catches for 112 yards and a 42-yard touchdown catch from Tua Tagovailoa, which traveled 50 yards in the air, from essentially the logo to the end-zone lettering.

Speaking of Tagovailoa, he was 30-of-45 for 324 yards and three touchdowns with a 100.6 passer rating. He threw an interception to Patriots safety Kyle Dugger, but on the ensuing Dolphins’ possession, he hit Hill on that long score.

In addition to Hill, Jaylen Waddle has been excellent lately, save a drop here or there. He had seven catches on Sunday for 121 yards and a score with an average per reception of 17.3 yards. His touchdown was his third score in four weeks.

Tight end Durham Smythe caught all three of his targets for 28 yards and turned each of those receptions into a first down. Newly acquired and making his Miami home debut was wide receiver Chase Claypool, who reeled in his first catch as a Dolphin for 15 yards over the middle.

The running game wasn’t the main feature of the Dolphins’ offense and only accumulated 78 rushing yards on 26 attempts. Raheem Mostert got into the end zone but was limited to just 46 yards on 13 rushing attempts. Jeff Wilson Jr. was solid in his second game back from injured reserve and first of the season at Hard Rock Stadium. He had a respectable 4.6 yards per carry on his five rushes for 23 yards and added a pair of receptions for 14 yards.

Of course, the Dolphins are still missing rookie sensation De’Von Achane, and Salvon Ahmed has been replacing him in his absence. Achane is targeted to return soon after Miami’s Week 10 bye, following this upcoming Sunday’s matchup in Germany against the Kansas City Chiefs.

In that matchup, Miami will need a fully functional and able defense, schemed by Vic Fangio, and the addition of Jalen Ramsey gave everyone a glimpse on Sunday of their potential with him. Ramsey, returning remarkably sooner than expected and initially reported from a training camp knee injury, was introduced epically on Sunday to home fans.

Ramsey recorded an interception and essentially eliminated half of the field in coverage. On a play that had a flag thrown against New England, Ramsey also laid the wood for a textbook tackle, leading to a fumble by Ezekiel Elliott, which wasn’t a recorded stat, due to the penalty accepted.

The former Florida State Seminole was a massive difference maker, and when Xavien Howard and Jevon Holland, who were both inactive Sunday, return for Miami, this defense could take a quantum leap forward.

Fangio’s front seven ate against New England’s offensive line, having gotten three second-half sacks from Christian Wilkins, Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips. There were four additional quarterback hits dealt to Mac Jones by Miami’s front, and collectively, the unit held the Patriots to just 1-for-9 on third-down conversions. The Dolphins’ defense also limited Jones and company to just 218 total net yards, 13 first downs and 141 net passing yards.

Wilkins tied his career single-season high sack total at 4.5 on Sunday, matching his output from 2021. Chubb is leading Miami with five sacks and has gotten to the quarterback in three straight weeks. Before Monday night’s game is played, the Dolphins’ 27 sacks are the fourth-most in the NFL, and their 64 quarterback hits lead the league.

With momentum now heading to Germany, the defense seemingly gelling better now, and buying into Fangio’s system, the Dolphins are improving believe it or not.

Even at 6-2, it’s clear they’re still playing without a full deck, missing players like Achane, Terron Armstead and center Connor Williams to name a few. Howard and Holland missed Sunday as mentioned, and players like Nik Needham will be integrated more into the mix.

Offensively, the Dolphins continue to roll and prove that even without pieces on the offensive line, or at skill positions, this unit is as close to unstoppable as South Florida has ever seen. Even as far back as 1984.

There’s something special brewing in Miami Gardens heading into November, and it isn’t the pumpkin spice seasonal coffee at WaWa. It’s a Dolphins team that could sit atop the AFC conference with a win on Sunday against the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs.

Dolphins RB Jeff Wilson to be designated to return from IR this week

Miami looks to be getting more RB depth soon.

The Miami Dolphins are off to a great start to their season, especially with their potent rushing attack, as Raheem Mostert and rookie De’Von Achane have rushed for 8.1 yards per attempt and 12 touchdowns on the ground.

Now, it appears Miami is adding more depth to the room.

According to NFL agent Drew Rosenhaus, the Dolphins are set to designate running back Jeff Wilson Jr. to return from injured reserve after dealing with rib and pinky injuries throughout the preseason and into the start of the 2023 campaign.

Miami will have 21 days to activate him, or he’ll be forced to miss the remainder of the season.

It’s unclear exactly how Wilson will fit in this group, but he’ll probably slot in above Salvon Ahmed and Chris Brooks on the depth chart.

UPDATE: Head coach Mike McDaniel said there’s no decision yet on whether or not Wilson will begin practicing this week.

Dolphins RB Jeff Wilson Jr. dives into The Fish Tank podcast

He’s always felt a connection to his current head coach.

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The Miami Dolphins jumped back on the field this week with their mandatory minicamp, and off the field, fans have a chance to “dive in” with the team’s staple podcast – “The Fish Tank.”

Usually a look into the past, this podcast is a fan favorite hosted by the duo of Seth Levit, formerly of the team’s public relations department, and legendary Dolphins wide receiver O.J. McDuffie. It’s always a bonus when a current Dolphin takes the dive into the tank, and running back Jeff Wilson Jr joined the fellas to talk football.

Wilson joined the Dolphins last season in a November trade with the San Fransisco 49ers and was reunited in Miami with running back teammate Raheem Mostert, and their former running game coordinator there, Mike McDaniel, who’s, of course, now the head coach for the aqua and orange.

As Wilson told Levit and McDuffie, his football journey started in Texas, and he detailed his youth in terms of spending time both in Dallas, as well as East Texas, having divorced parents. Wilson said that his time as both a city and country boy gave him “the best of both worlds.”

His father was a collegiate running back in his own right, so Wilson had the name recognition and would be told stories of his dad’s football accomplishments in his Texas hometown. As Wilson mentioned, these stories motivated him to make his own name for himself.

Wilson also told tales of watching the legendary Adrian Peterson, another Texas native, in high school. Peterson and Wilson were both from Palestine, Texas. Wilson described the viewing experience of the running back to Levit and McDuffie saying, “Greatness was right there, so it was hard not to try to reach for it.”

Wilson talked about his recruitment process while in high school, and how he ended up playing collegiately at North Texas. He had tremendous junior and senior years in 2016-17, and in those seasons, he totaled 2,151 yards and 30 rushing touchdowns. He finished his four years at North Texas as their fourth all-time rusher with 3,205 yards, third in rushing touchdowns with 32 and fourth in all-purpose yards with 4,009.

Ending up as an undrafted free agent in 2018 for the 49ers, Wilson attributed his success to “Mike,” as he affectionately spoke about his head coach. Wilson described that at the time, it was McDaniel who showed confidence in his ability for the NFL game.

Wilson said that he felt a certain energy about his coach, even when he was the San Fransisco run-game coordinator and came to North Texas to see him play. Wilson said that he knew that McDaniel had head coaching ability and eventually would become one.

As for his presence in Miami as a head coach, Wilson said, “If you can come in and grab a group of men that early, and make them get behind and follow you…obviously with the help of your coaches and staff and everybody around the facility, but if you can get a group of men to believe in you that fast; that speaks for itself.”

Wilson went on to talk about his once again backfield teammate Mostert.

“It’s like you get to play in the league with your actual brother,” Wilson said. “I call his sons my nephew, he calls my son his nephew.”

Last season in Miami, not counting Wilson’s games in San Francisco, he and Mostert combined for 1,283 yards on 265 carries. Which was good for a 4.8-yard per-carry average. Wilson added his personal expectations, goals and aspirations, as well as a bit of what is ahead for him and the Dolphins this season.

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PFF doesn’t have high hopes for Dolphins RBs’ fantasy production

The highest among them is considered a flex option in most leagues.

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While it’s only the start of the 2023 offseason programs for all 32 NFL teams, including the Miami Dolphins, fantasy football players are gearing up for their draft and league years.

Many won’t draft until August or the first week in September, but that doesn’t mean there’s not preparation and research needed to be done earlier to give players a leg up on their competition.

Pro Football Focus’ Jonathon Macri has already begun his ranking and tiers for positions, and at running back, he has three Dolphins on his list. Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane are Nos. 41 and 47, respectively, in the “Mid-Tier Handcuff Options” tier. That would make them flex options in most 12-team leagues.

“Raheem Mostert is likely the only back in this group who doesn’t really fit the handcuff label, as he should be considered the favorite to start the year for Miami, but there’s a bit more ambiguity surrounding the usage in that group,” Macri wrote. “Mostert is certainly capable of handling a decent workload, but the Dolphins also added Devon Achane in the third round of the draft and may want to get him involved as well. As a team that showed less tendency to run the ball last season, the potential for touches just doesn’t line up enough to move Mostert much higher in the rankings.

Achane may emerge later in the season as Miami’s lead back, but for now, patience is needed before investing too heavily in the rookie out of Texas A&M.”

Further below them is Jeff Wilson Jr., who finds himself ranked at No. 63 and a part of the “Top Free Agents and Limited Roles” tier.

Miami does have a lot of talent in their backfield, but the usage last year wasn’t enough. Head coach Mike McDaniel did say that he plans to commit to running the ball more often in 2023, but the split workload still should be a cause for concern for dynasty players considering Dolphins backs.

Those playing in dynasty formats should probably take a long look at Achane, especially in PPR leagues, as he could be a versatile piece that could absolutely take on a larger role in the next few seasons.

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RB Jeff Wilson hires Drew Rosenhaus, hopes to return to Dolphins

He was productive in his short stint with Miami last year.

At last year’s trade deadline, the Miami Dolphins sent a fifth-round pick to the San Francisco 49ers to bring running back Jeff Wilson Jr. to South Florida for the remainder of the year.

During his eight games in aqua and orange, Wilson rushed for 392 yards and three touchdowns on 4.7 yards per attempt and another 94 yards and a touchdown on 12 receptions.

Now, the 27-year-old is set to hit free agency for the second offseason in a row, and before he hits the market, he’s brought on new representation. According to the NFLPA, Wilson’s agent is now Drew Rosenhaus, who also represents Myles Gaskin, Jerome Baker, Tyreek Hill, Emmanuel Ogbah and Connor Williams.

Wilson told Sports Extra on Fox that he hopes to return to Miami this offseason to work with head coach Mike McDaniel and an offensive scheme that he’s been productive in.

https://twitter.com/schadjoe/status/1632754874776535052?s=20

With the success that both he and Mostert had last season, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Miami be interested in one or both of their top free agent backs returning in 2023.

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A look at the Dolphins’ 2023 and future assortment of draft picks

Miami has draft capital, but they could use more.

The NFL Combine is set to wrap up on Sunday when the offensive linemen and running backs take the field for workouts. As this process nears its conclusion, the true start of the 2023 NFL season is essentially under ten days away.

Free agency and trading periods open up in mid-March, and madness will soon ensue. Free agents will re-sign, some will go to new teams and perhaps trades will occur – all leading to April’s NFL draft.

When looking at the draft pick arsenal, the Miami Dolphins’ war chest is not as full as in years past. Even last year’s draft saw limited selections with just four.

In 2021, the Dolphins made a normal class amount of seven selections, with a top-heavy core of Jaylen Waddle, Jaelan Phillips and Jevon Holland. Last year’s rookie foursome, really didn’t make a collective impact. Although Skylar Thompson saw multiple starts, including a playoff game, third-round linebacker Channing Tindall and fourth-round wide receiver Erik Ezukanma barely saw the field, and seventh-round pick Cameron Goode is on a futures deal.

So while general manager Chris Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel are gathering their notes together from the past week in Indianapolis, it’s a good time to look at what they are working with in terms of immediate and near-future draft capital.

During April’s draft, Miami will, of course, be without a first-round pick for the second straight year. Miami once possessed a pair of them for 2023, but one was traded to the Denver Broncos in exchange for Bradley Chubb, and the other was taken away from the league for tampering.

They’ll start their selection process at the moment with pick No. 51 in the second round and follow up with a pair of third-rounders, Nos. 77 and 84. The Dolphins then have a long gap, since they sent their 2023 fourth-round pick along with last year’s first in the Tyreek Hill acquisition.

This upcoming draft’s fifth-round pick was turned into Jeff Wilson Jr. and is now owned by the San Fransisco 49ers. That additional third-round pick, No. 77 to be exact, came from New England as part of the DeVante Parker deal from 2022.

Miami also has a sixth-rounder (No. 178) which was compensation from Chicago in 2021’s trade for Jakeem Grant to the Bears. The Dolphins close their draft in the seventh at No. 240.

It will be interesting to see if Grier will utilize current players to attempt to slide back into certain rounds, and/or move up on the board. Of course, he could decide to move down and recoup later picks should he look to turn one of those top three picks into deals that could get Miami back into rounds four and/or five this year.

Looking at the current roster, there could be several players that are candidates for Grier to look to move, cut some salary and, perhaps, obtain picks that were vacated, for whatever reason.

Here’s a further look at the next two seasons of those draft picks as we stand now.

2024 Miami Dolphins Draft selections:

  • First round
  • Second round
  • Fifth round
  • Sixth round
  • Seventh round

They’re without a third, as it was the other pick lost in tampering, and their fourth-rounder went to Denver in that Chubb deal.

In 2025, Miami is back to having a standard draft with all of their owned picks and even heavy one fifth-rounder, which was sent as a sweetener along with Chubb from the Broncos.

2025 Miami Dolphins Draft selections:

  • First round
  • Second round
  • Third round
  • Fourth Round
  • Fifth Round
  • Fifth round (via DEN)
  • Sixth round
  • Seventh round

There’ll be plenty of options and variables upcoming for Grier, McDaniel and the Dolphins, and as this front office has shown, they are not afraid to make a deal. The NFL draft is from April 27 through 29 and will take place in Kansas City, Missouri.

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