Sunday Dolphins Mailbag: Extensions, Cook, Heat, and More

Part 2 of the latest SI Fan Nation All Dolphins mailbag:

From John Flora (@Capt_Cavephin):

Post-June 1, who gets a contract extension first?

Hey John, I used to think it was a slam dunk it would be Christian Wilkins, but the more I’ve thought about it, the more I’ve gone away from that line of thinking. And part of the reason is that he’ll be the most expensive. So instead I’d look to players like Connor Williams, Zach Sieler or Robert Hunt, and I’ll go with Sieler for this question at this moment.

From Mark Lever (@MarkFinsfan):

After the schedule release, what game are you most looking forward to? And least looking forward to? Also, what do you think our record will be this year?

Hey Mark, last question first, and no offense, but not a fan of making record predictions because there are simply too many variables, namely injuries with the Dolphins and with the opponents when they face them. I’d say they’ll win anywhere between 8 and 11 games. How’s that for wishy-washy? Game most looking forward to is the opener because it’s the first game and because the quality of the opposition will provide a good early gauge. Least looking forward to, hmm, if I have to provide one, maybe the game at Washington on Dec. 3. There’s just nothing very exciting about the Commanders.

From Andy Bichara (@stoic5132):

What are the chances that the Dolphins can swing extensions for both Zach Sieler and Christian Wilkins?

Hey Andy, it’s definitely doable and I do think the Dolphins like both players (as well they should), but considering the financial commitments they already have for 2024, I’m not sure they can accommodate every player deserving of an extension and that includes those two. So I’d say it’s definitely a possibility, but certainly not a guarantee they take care of both this offseason.

From mr. mojo risin’ (@dennisgriffin7):

With the league scheduling Fins to be on road 3 out of first 4 weeks, do you think they listened to the whiny Bills and other teams crying about the heat as unfair advantage?

Hey Dennis, if we’re going to be honest about it, the Dolphins do have an unfair advantage in early-season home games when their sideline is in the shade and like 30 degrees cooler than their opponent sideline getting beaten down by that oppressive heat (and if you’ve ever lived in South Florida, you know what I’m talking about). I also would like at it this way: The Dolphins have three of their first six at home, counting home games against the Giants in Week 5 and Carolina in Week 6, and the heat isn’t going to be much less of a factor in mid-October than in September.

From ChrisDavis (@KyLouFinFan):

I seem to remember for awhile NFL “experts” seemed to think getting off to a strong season start was key. Now it seems like finishing strong is the way to go? I’ll keep my inexpert opinions to myself. But what do you think and how does the schedule look? Thx

Hey Chris, from my “expert” viewpoint, yes, it’s much better to finish strong than start strong (obviously want to do both). Two glaring recent examples were the 2019 Patriots, who looked like the best team in the NFL in the first half of the season but then faltered, and then the 2020 Steelers, who were the last unbeaten team, stumbled and like the 2019 Pats lost in the first round of the playoffs. Every single coach in the NFL will tell you that you want to be playing your best football at the end of the season.

From Rod Jackson (@RodJackson6):

Can you put a percentage on acquiring Cook? Just your opinion.

Hey Rod, while Dalvin Cook instantly would become the best running back on the roster the second he arrives, I think the combination of what it would cost to sign him, plus the fact the Dolphins kinda, sorta committed to their guys from last year plus drafted De’Von Achane in the third round puts my percentage at no more than 20 percent.

From Dave (@angryvet59):

My very own personal gripe is NFL is getting more & more PPV. Monday Night is ESPN cable, Thursday night, first NFL Network, now Amazon Prime. Not everyone can just sign up for everything. It's all about the cash & nothing will change. I know but it's a pet peeve. Your thoughts?

Hey Dave, I hear you and you’re absolutely right that I don’t see anything changing anytime soon. But, to be fair, understand that every team’s games are shown in the local market. The setup is just less-than-perfect right now for those who don’t live in their favorite team’s city or who just want to watch all the games. But it is the way things are going right now and it’s not stopping anytime soon.

From Bob Curvelo (@curvelo3):

I'm reading Miami is holding off signing their draft picks cause they're working on a couple of things. What's the chance these couple of things are extensions for Wilkins and Williams?

Hey Bob, extensions for Christian Wilkins and Connor Williams certainly could be on the agenda, but there also are extensions to be discussed with players like Zach Sieler and Robert Hunt, plus the team is looking to add some veteran help at a couple of spots, starting with the offensive line.

From Craig M (@Dolfan2334):

Thoughts on the Dolphins schedule, Alain? Not too many easy games. I think I read we have the second hardest Strength of Schedule in the league.

Hey Craig, well, we already knew about the strength of schedule because the opponents are known the second the previous ends and then you also know their previous season records, which is what SOS is based on. So the release of the schedule is what about when you’re facing your opponent and I’d say the Dolphins made out pretty well overall, starting with the road game against the Chiefs being scheduled for Germany instead of Arrowhead Stadium. That’s a huge break for Miami. On the flip side, the Dolphins don’t face any of their division opponents at home until late October, which negates a huge advantage the Dolphins have with those September home games. But then they end with four home games out of their last five games, and the bye comes about the middle of the season, which is a good time. So I’d say that, all in all, the Dolphins made out pretty well with their schedule.

From mikethewreck (@mgcroteau):

Would you say that the NFL schedule makers did not make Miami's 2023 games harder than they already are (based on some pretty good opponents)?

Hey Mike, see my previous answer. I absolutely would say that, and add that the Dolphins don’t have three straight road games like they did last season.

From Jason Carrier (@realJayCarrier):

Fangio going to be able to fix Noah or nah?

Hey Jason, Brian Flores and Josh Boyer have a lot of experience coaching DBs and couldn’t bring out the potential in Noah Igbinoghene, so that’s reason there to be realistic about the chances of that happening. On the flip side, maybe the Dolphins decide to try him at safety to see if that works better. Or maybe a bigger emphasis on zone coverage plays better to Igbinoghene’s strengths (athleticism, physicality) and minimizes his weak spots (instincts, ball skills). So let’s go with be optimistic but guarded in your expecations.

From Dan Schechner (via email):

Hi Alain… This year’s Dolphins roster currently features not one but two college WRs the staff wants to convert to TE. My question: Is there a track record of success for such conversions? We know about Darren Waller, but are there others in recent years who’ve made an impact after switching from WR to TE? Thanks for the insights.

Hey Dan, doing some quick research, couldn’t come up with anybody who jumped out at me as being the kind of success story that Waller has been. Having said that, the Dolphins are doing this with a guy who was a rookie free agent (Tanner Conner) and a sixth-round pick (Elijah Higgins), so I’d say those are worthwhile experiments with a low-risk, high-reward factor, even if recent history says we shouldn’t pencil either guy for a 1,000-yard season just yet.

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