The NFL’s 2024 free agency period’s legal tampering period began on Monday. With the losses of right guard Robert Hunt, defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, and safety Brandon Jones, the Miami Dolphins had a dismal start.
Naturally, when word spread that four key players would be playing for other teams in the upcoming season, supporters of the team did not hold back.
After losing important players to free agency, Miami Dolphins fans go crazy
For Dolphins fans around the world, the public announcement that three defensive players and one of their best offensive linemen would be departing for better opportunities made for a difficult start to the free agency phase.
Fans erupted on X (formerly Twitter) to demand Chris Grier be named general manager as soon as they learned about the massive contract the Las Vegas Raiders were giving Wilkins.
Some even said Grier “better wake up!” and that he is choosing not to pay the guys who should have been paid because QB Tua Tagovailoa will ultimately “steal all of the money.”
Wilkins moved to the AFC West to join former teammate Jones. About an hour before the Wilkins deal, the safety and the Denver Broncos agreed to a three-year contract.
Grier told the South Florida media prior to the 2023 season that they extended an offer to Wilkins that they thought was “fair,” but Wilkins and his team turned it down.
Shortly after, Andrew Van Ginkel, a former fifth-round pick, agreed to terms on a two-year contract with the Minnesota Vikings under the direction of former head coach Brian Flores.
Robert Hunt, a 2020 draft pick, was a reliable member of the Dolphins’ offensive line. Hunt and the Carolina Panthers reached an agreement on Monday to play football for $100 million over five years.
It should not be shocking news to those who have been following Miami’s salary cap situation that Wilkins and Hunt are leaving.
Grier and Company was also unable to pay Hunt $20 million over the next five years or Wilkins $27.5 million over the next four.
Van Ginkel’s departure is unexpected because the Dolphins could have given the former Wisconsin defender a cheap one- or two-year contract to stay after rearranging some of their players’ contracts.
READ MORE: Should You Get Alarmed After the Dolphins’ Bloody Monday?
The team has to win its first postseason game since 2000 quickly, as the fans are ravenous. That makes sense, but Grier earned his high ranking for a reason, so the supporters should take a step back and show some faith in a team that has qualified for the postseason twice already.
