Trading away Laremy Tunsil and Kenny Stills for an impressive haul of high draft picks erases any doubt that Dolphins management is fully focused on the future and this season is just an annoyance to endure.

If you’ve invested in season tickets for 2019, tanks a lot.

The Dolphins have gone all in on a classic teardown, and now in possession of a pair of first- and second-round draft picks for each of the next two years, have the assets to deal into position to land whichever quarterback prospect they are targeting.

That could be Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa or Oregon’s Justin Herbert in 2020, or perhaps Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence in 2021.

When you look at Miami’s roster stripped of most recognizable names and loaded with undrafted free agents and a staggering influx of players who have yet to even practice with the team, it appears likely they won’t need to trade up at all to get the pick of the draft litter next April.

As he always does, in a Sunday afternoon media call coach Brian Flores took exception to the suggestion that the Dolphins are tanking the 2019 season.

He assured that the objective of coaches and players will be to win every week. But there was a sense of resignation in his voice and his words lacked conviction.

On weighing potential trades, Flores said, “My reaction is always the same, does this help this organization? … In this instance I felt this trade would help this organization.”

The only way to reach that conclusion is through the scope of a distant objective. Certainly not in the interest of being competitive right now.

The philosophy of rebuilding through the draft is sound, and the Dolphins had a rare opportunity to acquire two first-round picks and a second-round pick in the deal with the Texans. Some argue Miami fleeced a team that doesn’t have a true general manager.

But they did so at the expense of one of the essential, cornerstone positions in giving up left tackle Tunsil, who is regarded as one of the league’s ascendant offensive linemen and is under contract for the next two years.

Flores in tough spot

Asked why a player like Tunsil didn’t figure in the rebuild, Flores said, “I like him, but at the end of the day we just felt that this was the best move for us.”

In building back up, they will need to expend one of those precious high picks or a boatload of money to acquire someone comparable.

What the Tunsil trade tells us is:

•The Dolphins are determined to do whatever it takes to land an elite quarterback;

•They are writing off being at all competitive over those next two seasons.

As for the season that begins Sunday against the Ravens, it will be grim and bear it.

Not only for fans but especially for the designated sacrificial lamb, aka quarterback.

The stripped-down roster makes it irrelevant that 36-year-old journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick was selected to start initially over Josh Rosen.

Whoever is back there stands little chance operating behind the patchwork line of LT Julien Davenport, LG Michael Deiter, C Daniel Kilgore, RG Shaq Calhoun and RT Jesse Davis.

Davenport was inadequate with Houston, Kilgore is aged and coming off injury, Calhoun is an undrafted rookie and Davis is out of position. Deiter, at least, is a third-round pick with potential, but he’d look a lot better with established line mates to mentor him.

Starting out with Fitz will give this group an opportunity to seek some footing before tossing in Rosen for trial by fire. But it’s apparent management has concluded that the 10th overall pick in 2018 isn’t the answer.

The preseason showed Rosen has talent, but not the makings of something special, which is what GM Chris Grier and coach Brian Flores are staking their careers on ultimately obtaining.

So what we’re watching is the painstaking process of rebuilding in all its misery.

Following Browns’ model

It’s what the Cleveland Browns are just coming out of in constructing what they believe will become a contending team this season.

That required a 1-31 slog through 2016 and 2017.

The Browns have proven nothing yet, and there is no guarantee of success. They did get their franchise quarterback in Baker Mayfield.

The Dolphins are intent on following a similar blueprint. They are drunk on acquiring draft picks, and may not be done.

Dealing elite cornerback Xavien Howard is being mentioned if it would bring a ridiculous return.

They will ask everyone to trust the process — players, fans and media. But this management has yet to earn unwavering faith.

It’s one thing to acquire draft picks and quite another to succeed in building a winning team with them. The Dolphins’ draft history is sketchy. Grier still has a lot to prove.

S. Florida teams waiting for … when?

Meanwhile, South Florida’s sports landscape is a vast construction site. These Dolphins haven’t even laid a workable foundation.

It’s too early to tell if the Hurricanes and Marlins are on the right track. The Heat is constrained by bad contracts. The Florida Panthers appear to be in the best shape, but they’ve been rebuilding for two decades.

A week away from the opener at Hard Rock Stadium, the Dolphins’ roster remained a volatile mix. They were busy signing other teams’ castoffs. Veteran linebacker Kiko Alonso joined the exodus out of Miami on Sunday.

As of Sunday afternoon they had acquired 10 players through trade or signings since Thursday’s final exhibition game. The roster churn can be expected to continue into the season.

It’s roster chaos, is what it is.

Want to get a look at the Dolphins’ future? Best bet this season may be to watch Alabama or Oregon or even Clemson.

Craig Davis has covered South Florida sports and teams, including the Dolphins, for four decades. Follow him on Twitter @CraigDavisRuns

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Don Mattingly has said it numerous times about Starlin Castro that guys who can hit, will eventually hit.

It two all the way up until August for it to happen, but it finally came true for one of the Marlins veteran leaders.

Castro has batted .314 with six home runs and 25 RBIs through the month of August and could potentially finish the season with 20 home runs for only the second time in his nine year carer.

Castro’s hot streak certainly came in bad timing for the Marlins. Had he’d been this hot in April or May, the Marlins’ season may have gone in different direction, or a contender would be willing to send a prospect over for him in the trade deadline.

However it is becoming clear that the Marlins have won the trade that sent Giancarlo Stanton to the New York Yankees after winning the 2017 National League MVP. The long term injury status of Stanton has tipped the scales in the Marlins favor but Castro’s two solid years were only the tip of the iceberg. The two other prospects that were packaged are the true jewels.

Jorge Guzman pitched a strong season in Double-A (3.50 ERA, 127 SO) and if it weren’t for his 138.2 innings, he’d probably get September call-up consideration. He’ll be 24 next season and could end up making his big league debut at some point.

Jose Devers is only 19 years old and led the High A Jupiter Hammerheads with a .325 batting average and has been selected to partake in the Arizona Fall League, which is a sure sign for prospects who have a future in the big leagues.

It’s actually a trade similar to when the Arizona Diamondbacks traded Dan Haren (former Marlin) to the Los Angeles Angels for Joe Saunders, Tyler Skaggs and Patrick Corbin in 2009. The Diamondbacks got a couple solid seasons out of Saunders while Skaggs eventually turned into Mike Trumbo and Corbin pitched for six years in Arizona realizing his potential in the recent years.

When the Marlins turn the corner on their rebuild project, Guzman and Devers will emerge and make their presence known. Meanwhile, the Yankees will have Stanton on their immense payroll through the 2027 season.

 

Rumors are beginning to intensify as the Houston Texans continue to shop elite pass-rusher Jadeveon Clowney. And although no one can say for certain what a trade may entail, there’s plenty of gossip as to what a potential trade might look like.

In fact, several key names have already been linked in a potential trade. And whether that includes a play-making wide receiver, draft compensation, a starting running back, or the most important position on the offensive line, there’s plenty of possible trade scenarios.

We asked some of our writers to weigh in on the situation, and tell you how far they would go to get the Texans defensive end.

Alfredo Arteaga

Two Questions.  How bad do you want Jadeveon Clowney?  Bad enough to give up a 2nd round pick, and “allow” the Texans to take the WR of their choice in Kenny Stills or DeVante Parker.  That’s it.  Is he worth Laremy Tunsil?  Absolutely NOT.  If you believe the replacement cost charts (A guide by which the odds that a certain pick can replace the player you are trading equalizing transactions) then you have to ask for Two 1st round picks, a 3rd round pick,and Clowney for Tunsil while the Texans also take 2020 salary from non-essential personnel in the form of a Kenny Stills or Kiko Alonso, or both.  If THAT deal is made, you can reasonable expect to replace Tunsil while rolling the dice on Jadeveon Clowney wanting to stay in Miami on an extension.

Jake Mendel

The idea of Jadeveon Clowney on the Dolphins is tempting. However, what is the price? If the Dolphins could get him for a skill position player (Kenyan Drake or Kenny Stills) and a mid-round pick? Sign me up. It is also important to wonder if Clowney actually wants to play in Miami. Worst case, if the Dolphins get him and he decides to leave, you still have a third round comp pick coming back. No chance am I trading Tunsil for Clowney.

Luis Sung

It’s no secret Miami is in need of someone reliable to rush the passer. Scheming it in can only go so far, and with the departure of Cameron Wake, there’s no one to take pressure off the secondary. Enter Jadeveon Clowney, one of the most hyped pass rushers to come out of college in recent history. He wants out of Houston, and the Dolphins are the favorites to land him, But at what cost?

Supposedly, the Texans want Laremy Tunsil. The only way I’d be willing to give him up is if they gave up Clowney, a first round pick, and maybe a little more. Tunsil is too valuable to give up for Clowney alone. However, if Houston is in need of weapons, then a package dealing Kenny Stills, Kenyan Drake and maybe a mid-round pick for Clowney (and a mid-rounder for 2021) would be acceptable. If Clowney is really willing to sit out regular season games, then that gives Miami some leverage. Hopefully, they use it.

Josh Houtz

For me, it comes down to whether or not you view Clowney as the missing piece on defense. Which I absolutely do believe he has that type of impact, and would work wonders in Flores’ hybrid front. But at what cost? I like Clowney, but I would NOT trade away a 1st round pick, or an elite 25-year old LT like Laremy Tunsil. But guys like Kenny Stills and Kenyan Drake, would absolutely be available in a trade. Coupled with a mid-round pick, might be enough to pry away the disgruntled DE.

In the end, a second-round pick as a stand-alone is the highest draft compensation I would part with. The toughest decision would come down to whether or not the Texans would get crazy, and part with a top draft pick in addition to clowney. Would you then make the trade for Tunsil? For a team with such little hope on the offensive line, I don’t think I would…

 

Ethan J. Skolnick 

As far as you can without giving up Laremy Tunsil. You. Do. Not. Do. That. Not unless there’s no chance of re-signing him. It’s a premium position, just as pass-rusher is. So by giving up Tunsil, you’ve taken from Peter to pay Paul, which makes no sense at this stage, and will have collateral damage in the locker room. It’s difficult enough for Brian Flores to win over the room in the midst of a tank (er, rebuild). Now trade one of the most popular and productive players, at a position of need? Nah. So I’d give up Kenyan Drake and either Kenny Stills or DeVante Parker. And maybe a pick. Or maybe one of them and a second rounder, if you know Clowney will stay long term. But that’s it. No Tunsil. No way.

Jeff Brigham is in his second season with the Miami Marlins but is still considered a rookie because he only threw 16.1 innings as a starting pitcher in 2018. He’s a reliever now for the first time of his professional career and has been called up from Triple-A New Orleans four times this season. He played college ball at the University of Washington and came to Miami in a 2015 mid-season trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers. We discussed his experiences leading up to and throughout his rookie season.

5R: What was your first minor league experience like?

JB: The Pioneer League, especially Ogden gave me the full minor league experience. I like to joke around, we had a former Cy Young winner in “Blackjack” McDowell as our manager and some of those towns were tough. It was tough travel, not the best towns. I had a bunk bed with a roommate sleeping below me that entire summer. It was a really special experience. Wouldn’t want to go back and do it but it kind of developed me into the player I am today.

5R: You were on a Rancho Cucamonga Quakes team that won the California League title in 2015 and was loaded with future Major League talent, from Cody Bellinger to Alex Verdugo and Tim Locastro. You were traded to Miami before the Trade Deadline. How did you find out were getting traded?

JB: I got pulled out in the third inning. I think it was on a Tuesday. The trade deadline was Friday. I ended up finding out Thursday afternoon on Twitter, on social media I think and then they called me the next day and say, “Everything you’e seen is true. You’re going over to the Miami Marlins.

5R: What’s the process like for someone to be repeatedly called up and sent back down to Triple-A in a single season?

JB: It’s definitely been a hectic last few months for me. You get called up, they tell you to come up and you pack everything up, call your parents saying you’re coming up and then a couple days later they send you back down. It’s just a lot of traveling, building up a ton of airline miles. I joke a lot with Donnie [Mattingly] about that is the airline is starting to know my name. It’s definitely been an experience. I mean, there’s worst things to do for sure.

5R: This is your first year as a reliever. What is the difference being preparing for this role and being a starting pitcher?

JB: The biggest difference is finding a routine that works. As a starter, you have every set five days, you exactly what you’re gonna do every single day. You’re gonna know how many throws you’re gonna make, when you’re off the mound. As a reliever, it’s kinda more by feel. You got to prepare to pitch every single day. You gotta find a day to get your lifts in, gotta just be ready to pitch. So that’s really been the main difference, just preparing every day to pitch.

5R: This was your first Trade Deadline period while on a big league club. Three players were traded during that day, all of whom were fellow pitchers. How did you experience that?

JB: They definitely came out of the blue, all three of them to be honest. Those were three of my best friends on the team so it was definitely a tough pill to swallow. I am excited for the other guys who got called up with me because of these past couple trades but it definitely was tough to see my friends go.

The most extraordinary Dolphins performance didn’t happen on the field Thursday.

It came after the 22-7 win against the Jaguars when coach Brian Flores disclosed that he used the Jay-Z hit parade at practice earlier in the week to motivate wide receiver Kenny Stills.

It was eye-opening and emotional as Flores made it clear that he supports the social justice protests that Stills and other NFL players have staged the past three years.

It was unlike anything we’ve seen from a Dolphins coach, and in that way it was revealing.

It provided insight into Flores’ approach to leadership, including his handling of quarterback Josh Rosen, who made his strongest case for the starting job yet in Thursday’s game – more on that later.

Flores brings a personal perspective that is atypical of the NFL coaching fraternity. Yes, it is partly the Belichick influence but also indicative of his background and personal experience.

He framed his support of the player protests in the context of, “I’m the son of immigrants. I’m black. I grew up poor. I grew up in New York during the stop and frisk era, so I’ve been stopped because I fit a description before. So everything that these guys protest, I’ve lived it.”

It was raw. It was riveting. It was real.

At the same time, Flores opened himself to valid questions about his coaching methods: Does it make sense to publicly challenge a veteran player who has been the Dolphins’ most productive receiver over such a hot-button issue?

Stills has 21 touchdowns since 2016 – the most on the team – during the period he has taken the controversial stance of kneeling for the national anthem and dealing with all of the fallout that has brought him.

So, does calling out Stills for substandard performance during the preseason strengthen his command of the team?

Some of predecessor Adam Gase’s heavy-handed attempts at motivation didn’t turn out so well.

Meanwhile, the gauntlet Flores has presented to Rosen is working. The second-year quarterback is getting better.

It is easy for many of us on the outside to say, start Rosen now!

I am in that camp because I don’t see this team achieving anything significant with Ryan Fitzpatrick. That is not to say Rosen will lead them to the playoffs this season, but he’s shown enough progress that I want to see what he can become.

Granted, the 99-yard touchdown drive Rosen led Thursday came in the fourth quarter against second- and third-team defenders, many of whom won’t be playing in two weeks. Fitzpatrick also led a touchdown drive in the second half against backups after accomplishing nothing in the first half when he faced Jacksonville’s starters.

But Rosen’s resourcefulness is intriguing. He seems at his best avoiding trouble and finding – and connecting with – receivers while on the move. The talent that made him a first-round draft pick is becoming more evident.

He’s also exhibiting much better “body language” that Flores called him out on recently, which relates to commanding the offense on the field.

Flores does send mixed signals about the quarterback competition. Prior to Thursday’s game, he made it seem the starting job was Fitzpatrick’s and that the results of one performance wouldn’t be conclusive.

Afterward, he said, “We’re still evaluating both guys.”

So which is it?

All coaches have their ways of pushing players and cajoling them to maximize their ability.

I think Flores has determined a certain level of competency that Rosen must meet, and is willing to wait as long as it takes.

Fans and media fixate on who starts the season opener. Flores is looking at a bigger picture.

At the same time, the rookie head coach is also under scrutiny. So far this century, we’ve seen several others in his spot fall by the wayside in Miami.

We haven’t seen anything quite like Flores.

It will be fascinating to watch if he can translate the winning ways he learned in New England to a franchise that hasn’t won anything notable in decades.

His methods may be open to question, but the conviction of his beliefs is clearly firm.

Will that make him a winner?

All we know right now is this Dolphins coach is no pushover.

Craig Davis has covered South Florida sports and teams, including the Dolphins, for four decades. Follow him on Twitter @CraigDavisRuns

(Video: Prior to the Dolphins’ third preseason game, Brian Flores discussed what he needs to see from Josh Rosen)

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