Patriots BREAKING: Isaiah Wynn - Finally 'Free' - Signs with Rival Dolphins
By writing one simple word on Twitter recently - "FREE'' - offensive tackle Isaiah Wynn offered an impetuous farewell to the New England Patriots. And now he is indeed "free'' from the Patriots, on Sunday signing a one-year deal to move to the rival Miami Dolphins.
Having recently completed his fifth season in New England —after the team exercised the option in his contract last spring. — the 27-year-old headed for unrestricted free agency. This is now being billed by some in the national media as a signing that is the result of him "waiting for just the right opportunity.'' But in fact, Wynn somehow found himself somewhere below the top tier in free agency - the final judgement pending contract details, of course.
What will he accomplish in Miami, the Pats' bitter rivals? Surely Miami hopes for something more than Wynn’s 2022 campaign, which will be forever cloaked in disappointment. He went from a solid starting left tackle to a liability at right tackle after a surprising positional switch during training camp. A foot injury, which limited him to nine games, led to a season-ending injured reserve designation. He finished the season having allowed 17 pressures and four sacks, while committing eight penalties.
If Wynn is hoping for real success, he must address some of the on-field struggles which caused him notable difficulty throughout his Patriots tenure. At times, he had problems with his initial push out of his stance. He also surrendered his edge too often. Despite showing flashes of being an aggressive pass protector, Wynn was a bit slower when positioning himself on schemed pressures.
In all fairness, he is more than capable of righting the ship. However, he must return to his ‘strike first’ approach to protecting the run, as well as stopping pass rushers before they hit their stride.
Most importantly, Wynn must prove that he can stay healthy — a trait which has eluded him for the majority of his pro career. He struggled mightily with injuries throughout his five years with the Patriots. In addition to missing the entirety of his rookie season with a torn ACL, he has spent significant time on injured reserve. In addition to his season-ending stint in 2022, he also was afforded the designation for a toe injury in 2019, and a knee injury in 2020.
During the 2021 season, Wynn enjoyed better health, missing only one game while on COVID-19/Reserve. Unfortunately, injury would once again strike during New England’s season-finale against the Dolphins. Wynn exited the game in the first quarter with an ankle injury and did not return. The same injury would keep him from suiting up for the Patriots’ lone playoff appearance, a 47-17 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
If he can return to form, Wynn has the necessary quickness and strength to win battles when going one-on-one against edge rushers, as well as creating openings for the running game. But if that happens now? It'll happen against the Patriots, instead of for them.
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