The Miami Dolphins, with one of the top offenses in the league and a talented young defense, are a legitimate candidate for the Super Bowl this season. However, their chances were hampered during their 34-13 victory over the Jets on Black Friday when star wide receiver Jaelan Phillips appeared to have suffered a season-ending Achilles injury.
An injury like that at this stage of the season cannot be minimized. There aren’t many opportunities for a club to add a difference maker at a position as critical as edge, especially since the trade deadline has long since past.
But, the Dolphins are going to try to get some production from a move to address the injury situation. And, they did that on Monday, as they’re expected to sign former All-Pro Jason Pierre-Paul.
The defensive end announced the news via an Instagram post Monday evening.
Pierre-Paul was a free agent for much of this year, but had been signed to the practice squad of the New Orleans Saints in mid-November. He made his team debut on Sunday, and had one solo tackle, before being put back on the practice squad. Players are allowed to be signed off the practice squad of other teams.
Many of you might think that Jason Pierre-Paul is washed. And, he very well may be. But, it wasn’t that long ago when he was a massive part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Super Bowl-winning team back in the 2020 NFL season. That year, he had 9.5 sacks, and two more in the postseason.
However, Pierre-Paul only totaled 5.5 sacks in 26 games in 2021 and 2022, significantly less than what is required of a pass-rush specialist.
Once more, the Dolphins are hoping Pierre-Paul can regain some of the form that has helped him win two Super Bowls, make three Pro Bowls, and be selected to one All-Pro team. Over his career, he has 94.5 sacks. Only 41 players in all have amassed 100 sacks.
This weekend, the Dolphins (8-3) visit the Commanders. He will have a chance to add to that sack total against one of the NFL’s most sack-prone teams if he can quickly pick up the pace.
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