If the Miami Dolphins make the decision to part ways with one of their most accomplished returners in team history, the team will have a challenging decision ahead regarding which player is the right one to step into the void that Grant would leave behind. The Dolphins saw Grant’s role as a punt returner shine yet again this past season — as Grant returned a punt for a touchdown against the Rams to mark his third consecutive season and the fourth time in five seasons that Grant ran at least one kick for a score throughout his NFL career.
But Grant was tasked with taking on his biggest role as a receiver yet — he took 370 offensive snaps last season (35%), a career high. And those snaps brought 54 targets on the season, also a career high. But those targets brought more opportunities for Grant to prove he could be a staple of the passing game and drops and misplayed targets were a continuous trend. And with over $4M in new cash due for the upcoming season, Grant’s cost may not be worth the production.
If the Dolphins make that decision, they’ll have plenty of options on who to step into the void. Here are three candidates to return kicks for Miami in 2021 if the team moves on from Grant:
WR Jaylen Waddle
Waddle’s punt return skills are undeniable — he fielded 38 punts at Alabama over three seasons and averaged 19.3 yards per return with two touchdowns. His kickoff duties are lower in volume but still impressive: he returned 9 kickoffs and averaged 23.8 yards per return there with an additional score from the 2019 season.
But would the Dolphins subject their No. 6 overall pick to a special teams role in addition to whatever he’s hoping to take on offense?
The early signs point to yes. When asked what separated Jaylen Waddle from DeVonta Smith in Miami’s decision to draft the former with the No. 6 overall pick, general manager Chris Grier pointed to two traits:
- Explosiveness
- Return ability
“At the end of the day, they’re both really good players and really good kids and very competitive. Just as we went through it, it’s the explosiveness that Waddle gives you as well as the return game, as Brian mentioned; and for us, just that dynamic trait and you can only imagine the texts Brian and I got from people talking about what a great pick and explosive and how this guy is – you guys saw all the comparisons – but for us, it was getting to know the kid and we were really, really happy and knowing how competitive and tough he is,” said Grier.
“They’re both really good players. Devonta is going to be a really good player in this league. For us, it was the explosive playmaking ability and the return ability for us that we really liked.”
But this wasn’t just a Chris Grier vision. Brian Flores was asked about Waddle’s role with the team during that same Thursday night press conference and the role of returner once again came up.
“His role is going to be what he makes it. Based off of all the film we’ve seen, we think he’ll fit inside or outside. We think he’ll add a speed element. Obviously he has some value in the return game,” said Flores.
“I think his versatility is a big part of this. His ability to play inside, play in the slot, play on the perimeter, play in the return game. Again, we’re very, very excited to have him.”