The Miami Dolphins held steady at the NFL trade deadline, opting to keep their roster intact despite some intriguing conversations between Head Coach Mike McDaniel and General Manager Chris Grier. The duo weighed their options, exploring potential trades both for and by the team, but ultimately decided not to shake things up.

McDaniel reflected on these discussions, expressing that sticking with their current lineup was a conscious choice. “We had a couple of conversations about people reaching out to us and different possibilities, inward and outward,” McDaniel shared.

“And I think the action was that there was no action. We believe in the roster and want to see the guys come through a tough time.

That’s really what was executed.”

While specific players weren’t mentioned, it’s a safe bet that veteran defensive lineman Calais Campbell piqued some interest from other teams. At 38, he’s still delivering an impressive season, making him a valuable asset.

Additionally, teams might have inquired about Miami’s deep stable of running backs, such as Raheem Mostert or Jeff Wilson Jr. Left tackle Terron Armstead might have been another name floating around, given his age, considerations about retirement, and the drafting of Patrick Paul, his potential successor.

Despite the team’s current 2-6 standing, tying them with eight other teams for the league’s lowest win total, McDaniel is optimistic about the Dolphins’ future. The team has shown flashes of improvement in recent matchups against the Arizona Cardinals and Buffalo Bills, even though they didn’t come away with victories.

McDaniel insists that progress, however gradual, is evident. “Sometimes there’s false hope where you’re saying you’re close, or you’re saying things will get better,” he said.

“I live in real hope, which is, how are people’s games getting better? Are we getting better?

Does that mean it’s up to standard or that losses are acceptable? Absolutely not.

But vital to football teams having success in any NFL season is that they master the art of getting better in the noise, and don’t confuse noise with just losing noise. It’s very loud when you’re winning, and sometimes you could be sitting at 6-2, and if the ball isn’t getting better through all the noise, I don’t have real hope.”

For McDaniel, tangible improvement is the key to unlocking success down the road. “My hope is real because the football that I’m watching and detailing is improving.

I think the team is focused on trying to have a game where they feel like their brand of football was mastered. And I think the football team knows that when that occurs, things will take care of themselves in the win column.”

Despite the current record, McDaniel’s faith in the process might just be the spark Miami needs to turn things around. As the team continues to hone their craft amidst the noise, they’re keeping an eye on what truly matters – mastering their unique brand of football.