The Miami Dolphins find themselves in a predicament largely of their own making. As they attempted to address their glaring issues on the edge, they let a valuable asset slip through their fingers.

Andrew Van Ginkel, who was once part of their defensive roster, is now a standout performer with the Minnesota Vikings. He’s not just holding his own; he’s in the conversation for a Pro Bowl nod this season.

It’s a turn of events that stings for Dolphins fans who see his playmaking prowess lighting up the highlight reels.

The Dolphins’ decision not to extend an offer to Van Ginkel in the offseason is looking more questionable by the day, especially when you measure the impact you’re losing. Van Ginkel has already recorded five sacks this season with the Vikings, a stat that dwarfs the combined total of Miami’s current edge rushers. The Dolphins, plagued by injuries to Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb, are struggling to replicate the energy and contribution that Van Ginkel effortlessly provides.

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald aptly points out the disparity: “Van Ginkel has more sacks this season than Miami’s entire roster of edge rushers.” It’s a stark reminder of what the team let go when they opted not to re-sign him, believing that they could patch together a defense without significant investment.

The offseason was marked by notable structural shifts, including saying goodbye to Vic Fangio and bringing in Anthony Weaver. But while there was optimism, the results have been mixed.

Inconsistency from the defensive line and the decision to rely on backup-level replacements for stalwarts like Christian Wilkins have left the unit in disarray. Even veterans such as Jordan Poyer have struggled to maintain past performance levels.

Meanwhile, talents like DeShon Elliott have excelled elsewhere, only adding to the list of missed opportunities.

The Dolphins’ struggles underline a broader issue: trying to do too much, too cheaply, with ill-fitting pieces. The heart and spirit that players like Van Ginkel, Jerome Baker, and Wilkins once brought to the team seem sorely missed.

Miami’s defensive woes are not just a matter of manpower but reflect a deeper issue with the strategy and choices that have been made at the front office level. Until these are addressed, the Dolphins risk continuing on a path where past mistakes overshadow their present ambitions.