Dolphins Departures: 2024 Players Who Struggled After Switching Teams
When the 2024 offseason began, it was clear that the Miami Dolphins were preparing to make some significant roster changes that many fans wouldn’t be happy about. As the season unfolded, these moves became a source of frustration for the Dolphins’ faithful.
One of the biggest points of contention was the Dolphins’ handling of linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, who had been a key player for Miami. After being traded to the Minnesota Vikings, Van Ginkel earned a Pro Bowl selection, which only added fuel to the fire for fans who felt the Dolphins had let go of a valuable asset. His success with the Vikings highlighted what many saw as a major misstep by Miami’s front office.
Van Ginkel wasn’t the only former Dolphin to stir up drama during the 2024 season. Former guard Robert Hunt, who left Miami for the Carolina Panthers, played every game of the season without committing a single penalty in the first 16 weeks. This was a stark contrast to the ongoing issues Miami had with its offensive line, further intensifying the frustration among Dolphins supporters. However, not all former players from the 2023 roster enjoyed successful seasons.
Defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, who was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders, started his season on a positive note but suffered a season-ending foot injury. Las Vegas had made a significant investment in Wilkins, but his inability to stay healthy left the Raiders with little return in his first year. Meanwhile, the Dolphins had moved on and placed their trust in Zach Sieler, whose performance in 2024 arguably deserved a Pro Bowl spot. The addition of veteran Calais Campbell also helped ease the loss of Wilkins, making Miami’s decision to move on from him appear wise in hindsight.
Linebacker Jerome Baker, another former Dolphin, had a rocky time after leaving Miami. He was one of the few draft picks to earn a second contract, but his inconsistency led to his departure. Baker joined the Seattle Seahawks but couldn’t make it work and was soon traded to the Tennessee Titans after just a brief stint with Seattle.
Lastly, the Dolphins’ loss of center Connor Williams was initially seen as a significant mistake. After he left for the Seattle Seahawks, Williams seemed poised for a fresh start, especially after recovering from an injury. However, his time with Seattle ended abruptly when, in November, Williams announced his retirement at just 27 years old, citing personal reasons after undergoing major surgery. This unexpected decision marked another chapter in a season where several former Dolphins players didn’t live up to expectations with their new teams.