miami dolphins tank

The Miami Dolphins Tank of 2019: A Controversial Rebuild

The 2019 Miami Dolphins season is widely remembered for its deliberate dismantling of the roster, commonly referred to as “tanking.” This strategy involved trading away key players and acquiring draft picks with the explicit goal of securing a high selection in the upcoming NFL Draft. While controversial, the Dolphins believed it was necessary to rebuild the team from the ground up.

What Exactly Was the “Tank”?

The Dolphins’ 2019 season saw them trade away established stars like Laremy Tunsil, Kenny Stills, and Minkah Fitzpatrick, receiving valuable draft capital in return. The on-field product suffered drastically, with the team enduring a 0-7 start. The goal was clear: to accumulate losses and position themselves for a top draft pick, ideally to select a franchise quarterback.

The Rationale Behind the Dolphins Tank

Following years of mediocrity, the Dolphins’ leadership believed a complete rebuild was necessary to achieve sustained success. They felt burdened by bloated contracts and an aging roster. Accumulating draft picks allowed them to acquire young talent at a lower cost, creating a foundation for the future. The strategy aimed to emulate successful rebuilds by other teams who prioritized draft capital and long-term growth over short-term gains.

Controversy and Ethical Concerns

Tanking raises significant ethical questions about competitive integrity. Deliberately fielding a subpar team can be seen as disrespectful to fans, players, and the sport itself. The NFL has rules in place to discourage tanking, but proving intent is difficult. The Dolphins faced scrutiny and accusations of violating the spirit of fair competition. Wikipedia’s article on the 2019 Miami Dolphins season further details the trades and roster moves that defined this period.

The Aftermath and the Draft Outcome

The Dolphins finished the 2019 season with a 5-11 record, which, while not the worst in the league, was still enough to secure the fifth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. With that pick, they selected Tua Tagovailoa, the quarterback they hoped would lead them to future success. Whether the tank ultimately proved successful is a matter of ongoing debate, but it undeniably reshaped the direction of the franchise.

FAQs About the Miami Dolphins Tank

Why did the Dolphins trade away so many players in 2019?

The Dolphins traded away key players to acquire valuable draft picks, aiming to rebuild the team with young, cost-effective talent.

Was the Dolphins’ tanking strategy successful?

The success of the tank is debatable. They acquired Tua Tagovailoa, but his performance and the team’s overall success have been mixed.

Did the NFL punish the Dolphins for tanking?

While there were accusations, the NFL didn’t explicitly punish the Dolphins for tanking in 2019, as proving intent is difficult.

What is “tanking” in sports?

“Tanking” refers to a strategy where a team deliberately loses games to secure a higher draft pick in the upcoming draft.

What were the risks associated with the tanking strategy?

The risks included alienating fans, potentially damaging player morale, and the possibility of not drafting a successful player even with a high draft pick.

Summary

The 2019 Miami Dolphins season was a highly controversial period marked by a deliberate tanking strategy. The team traded away valuable assets to acquire draft picks, ultimately selecting Tua Tagovailoa. While the long-term success of the rebuild remains to be seen, the “tank” undeniably reshaped the team’s direction and sparked debate about the ethics of prioritizing future gains over present-day competitiveness.