Mattel’s Magic 8 Ball has been making predictions since 1946. We ran a couple of questions in regards to the Miami Dolphins by one, and the outcomes have been combined.
For these unfamiliar with the idea, customers ask yes-no inquiries to the ball, give it a shake after which flip it over to disclose the reply. We opted for an online version to ask the next:
Will quarterback Tua Tagovailoa obtain an extension this offseason?
Magic 8 Ball says: Do not rely on it
The extension marketplace for quarterbacks has been booming this offseason. Jared Goff signed a four-year, $212M take care of the Lions, whereas Jacksonville made Trevor Lawrence the highest-paid participant within the NFL.
Tagovailoa is without doubt one of the subsequent quarterbacks in line for a large extension, nevertheless it’s arduous to say whether or not he’ll obtain one this offseason.
Final week, ESPN’s Jeff Darlington reported that Miami has but to supply Tagovailoa a contract that aligns with the quarterback place’s market worth. Whereas Darlington talked about that negotiations are “to not a panic level simply but,” he has “scaled again” his optimism {that a} deal can be struck quickly.
On the floor, Tagovailoa has the statistical manufacturing to warrant prime quarterback cash, as evidenced by final season’s league-leading 4,624 passing yards and 29 touchdowns.
Nevertheless, Tagovailoa’s bodily limitations, coupled with the truth that solely 9 of his 32 wins have come towards groups with a successful file, elevate issues about whether or not Miami ought to prolong him.
There isn’t any straightforward reply as to what a Tagovailoa extension ought to appear to be, however with out a deal earlier than coaching camp, the 26-year-old will probably must wager on himself this season.
Will extensive receiver Tyreek Hill take pleasure in one other profession receiving yr?
Magic 8 Ball says:
Outlook is sweet
The eight-time Professional Bowler entered 2023 aiming to submit the primary 2,000-yard receiving season in NFL historical past. Whereas he fell wanting his lofty objective, Hill nonetheless managed to guide the league in receiving yards with 1,799, which was a career-high, and touchdowns (13).
It’s going to be troublesome to exceed these totals in 2024, particularly contemplating what number of mouths there are to feed in a crowded Dolphins offense, however Hill might be primed to take action so long as he stays wholesome.
Regardless of his spectacular manufacturing final season, Hill was constantly hampered by accidents. The 30-year-old was impacted towards the top of the season by an ankle harm suffered in Week 14 towards the Titans that pressured him to overlook Miami’s Week 15 matchup with the Jets.
Hill was coming off three straight 100-yard outings on the time of the harm, however over his final 5 contests, he averaged 76 yards per sport and scored simply two touchdowns.
It is unattainable to foretell accidents, but when Hill can play 17 video games to his full potential, he ought to have the ability to set new profession highs in 2024.
Will tight finish Jonnu Smith be the offseason addition who makes the most important influence on offense?
Magic 8 Ball says: Indicators level to sure
Final season, the Dolphins boasted one of many prime offenses within the NFL, with the unit rating second in factors and first in yardage. A number of gamers, together with Tagovailoa and Hill, set new private data.
Miami barely acquired any manufacturing from its tight ends, although, as Durham Smythe and Julian Hill combined for 414 yards on 41 receptions.
Though extensive receiver Odell Beckham Jr. was signed to turn out to be a key contributor for the Dolphins, Smith may find yourself being the crew’s prime free-agent addition on offense.
Smith, a seven-year veteran, caught 50 passes for 582 yards and three touchdowns for the Falcons final season and was notably efficient after the catch. Smith’s 7.1 yards after the catch per reception have been the third most by a good finish who caught no less than 50 passes, trailing solely Cleveland’s David Njoku and San Francisco’s George Kittle.
Including that dynamic expertise to a place that was basically irrelevant within the crew’s scheme will solely make the high-powered Dolphins offense that rather more explosive.
Will the Dolphins stumble late within the season once more?
Magic 8 Ball says: Ask once more later
It has been well-documented that the Dolphins have struggled down the stretch throughout their two seasons underneath HC Mike McDaniel. Through the 2022 season, Miami misplaced 5 late-season video games, together with 4 in December, earlier than clinching a playoff berth in an 11-6 Week 18 win over the Jets.
And final season, the Dolphins dropped a pivotal Week 18 conflict towards the Payments to choke away what would’ve been their first division title since 2008.
Whereas it stays to be seen whether or not the Dolphins can change the narrative this season, they are not ideally positioned to take action.
Throughout its final four games, Miami will face three groups that made the playoffs in 2023 — Houston, San Francisco and Cleveland — in addition to the Jets, who may lastly attain the postseason this season.
Moreover, the Dolphins’ closing two video games can be on the street towards Cleveland and New York, which may current a difficulty contemplating they’ve misplaced their final 11 video games when the temperature is beneath 40 levels Fahrenheit, per Stathead.