MIAMI GARDENS — According to Miami Dolphins general manager Chris Grier, his team and the Indianapolis Colts were never near reaching a deal to send star running back Jonathan Taylor to Miami.
Grier spoke to reporters Wednesday about the extent of Taylor trade talks that were put on hold Tuesday, the two trades the Dolphins did make Tuesday, the roster cuts to form the initial 53-man roster and more.
“It was a lot of exploratory talks,” Grier said about conversations with the Colts and their general manager, Chris Ballard, for Taylor, adding it didn’t come to a point where offers were exchanged. “There was nothing really close.”
Grier said 95 percent of reports that have come out about the communication between the teams were inaccurate, but he did address a question about whether wide receiver Jaylen Waddle could ever become part of a trade for a marquee player after his name was mentioned as a desired return piece for Indianapolis.
“Jaylen Waddle would not be available to anybody,” Grier said. “It wouldn’t matter who they called about.”
Overall, Grier is content with the team he has heading into the 2023 season, although he has continued to explore options that become available this preseason, notably Taylor and fellow running back Dalvin Cook.
“Like we’ve been consistent in saying, we feel good about our running back room,” Grier said. “I think it showed in the preseason. Those guys have done a nice job. Mike (McDaniel) has always expressed confidence in them, as well as myself.
“My job is, when players are available, whoever they are, whether it’s a Pro Bowler, journeyman on the streets that’s bounced around, we’re going to talk to people, make calls and do it.”
Does Grier believe this team can compete with the elites in the AFC, like the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, the Cincinnati Bengals and three-time reigning AFC East champion Buffalo Bills?
“I do,” he said. “I think we compete with them. It’ll be to be determined this season, but we do.”
As far as the two trades the Dolphins did pull off Tuesday, Miami acquired cornerback Kelvin Joseph from the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for 2020 first-round pick Noah Igbinoghene, who never developed as a reliable cornerback for the Dolphins, and received a sixth-round draft pick for offensive lineman Dan Feeney.
Grier said the Dolphins were looking for a cornerback who could present versatility to play in the nickel while also contributing on special teams. They found both those things in Joseph. The Bears were looking for an interior offensive lineman due to injuries they had on their line, according to Grier.
The Dolphins GM wished Igbinoghene the best as he gets a change of scenery.
“He’s had ups and downs, but he’s a competitive kid. I’m so proud of him,” Grier said. “He was so young, I think, 20 years old when he got here. So I’m happy for him. We were both a little sad leaving, but I’m very happy for the opportunity for him because they really wanted him, so I’m excited for him. And we’re excited to have Kelvin.”
With defensive tackle Christian Wilkins bound to play the final season on his current contract without an extension locked in, Grier spoke to why the two sides couldn’t reach an agreement.
“We made an offer that we thought was fair,” Grier said. “It has to work for both sides.”
Wilkins ended his hold-in and is now focused on playing out his fifth NFL season before contract talks are revisited. He was previously keeping himself out of team portions of practice.
Regarding quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, Grier said the Dolphins are taking the approach of seeing him play out his fourth season before looking into any long-term contract talks. Tagovailoa has previously said an extension was not currently on the table as he enters the 2023 season.
One of the surprise selections to make the Dolphins’ initial active roster was offensive lineman Kion Smith, who has been a member of Miami’s practice squad in recent seasons. Grier noted Smith’s hard work to earn the spot.
“He just puts his head down and grinds,” Grier said. “It’s a testament to him and his work ethic.”
Grier also offered some insight into coming moves after the Dolphins reached the initial active roster Tuesday.
While cornerback Jalen Ramsey and offensive lineman Robert Jones are expected to go on short-term injured reserve to start the season, he said defensive back and special teamer Elijah Campbell won’t have to go on IR.
On cornerback Keion Crossen, who was a surprise to go on season-ending injured reserve, Grier said he suffered a “freak injury” Tuesday. The Dolphins are taking a wait-and-see approach with tight end Eric Saubert possibly going on IR, according to Grier.
