Chris Grier, Three-eyed GM

By now, we have all seen the finale of HBO’s insanely popular television series, Game of Thrones. So we all know how it ends.  And whether you agree that a young (crippled) boy that suffered through some heinous stuff, later becomes the most important character in the show, or not, Bran Stark is more than qualified. After all, he can see everything, and the affect it has on the seven kingdoms is clear as day.

So after suffering by the wayside for so many years, Bran becomes the ruler of the six kingdoms. But where have we seen this before?  When has a guy sat back and watched as everything around him burns to the ground- only to reap the benefits?

Bran used his visions to foresee the future, which ultimately led to him sitting atop the Iron Throne.  Which, come to think of it, is exactly what Dolphins’ GM Chris Grier did before being handed the keys to the kingdom.

So is Grier the three-eyed raven?

Let’s take a look.

The Rightful Heir 

There are lots of important signs that may suggest Grier is a three-eyed General Manager, with the ability to see everything in the history of the world. Who stays with one team for twenty years, watching as each prolific name comes and goes. Putting the team further and further away from being competitive. Obviously, he knew his time would eventually come.  And although he watched as coaches tied their fate to Chad Henne and Ryan Tannehill, in addition to overspending on high-priced free agents.  He never lost sight of what was still to come.  Maybe he takes the “safe” route when it comes to his decision making, but he’s done well with his newly assigned power.

Somehow, someway, Grier knew he would eventually be calling the shots in South Florida.  And if this offseason is any indication,  it appears as though he’s the right man for the job.

Laremy Tunsil’s gas mask

Draft day 2016 was a bit surreal.  The consensus #1 pick had a video of him smoking out of a gas mask leaked online, which caused him to fall mercifully into the Dolphins’ lap at #11.  I’m not sure they ever found out who released the video, but my theory is that Grier had something to do with it.  What team benefited most from the announcement?  Certainly not the Tennessee Titans.  Miami now has an All-Pro left tackle because of this video, and it just seems like something a three-eyed GM may have done.  Perhaps he “warged” into Tunsil and consumed some of the Devil’s lettuce, knowing it would cause him to fall.

Nonetheless, the Dolphins and Grier are happy with the way things turned out.

Charles Harris, 3-4 pass rusher

In 2017, the Miami football Dolphins invested the 22nd-overall pick on pass rusher Charles Harris.  And like most of Grier’s moves, it wasn’t a flashy pick.  But it was a selection that raised some eyebrows, and rightfully so.  Harris is best suited for a 3-4 defense and at the time, Miami was running a traditional 4-3 with wide-9 concepts.  For those that don’t know, Matt Burke and his wide-9 failed miserably in Miami.  And although Harris has been non-existent early on throughout his career.  Maybe, just maybe, he can turn it around with better coaching and a scheme that fits his skill-set better.

For a team that let Cameron Wake walk and traded away Robert Quinn, Grier better know what he’s doing.  But again, he probably already knows the outcome of this saga.

Xavien Howard is a very rich man

When the Dolphins traded up to select Baylor’s Xavien Howard with the #38th-pick in the 2016 NFL draft, uncertainty loomed.  Ultimately, Howard was a handsy defensive back that excelled in a division not known for their defense.  And although it wasn’t the most popular decision at the time, Grier knew what type of player he could eventually become.  This offseason, the Dolphins finally rewarded one of their own, making Howard the highest paid defensive back in NFL history.  Miami was able to lock up one of the better press-corners in the game today.  And for a young team in desperate need of an identity, the move makes sense.  Flores had Stephone Gilmore in New England, and now Howard in Miami.

The contract isn’t so bad either.  In fact, when you dig deeper within the contract, it’s a great deal for both sides involved.  Howard’s 5 years, $76.5M may seem like a lot now.  But the way it is structured ($52-million guaranteed over the first three years) is genius.

Josh Rosen, franchise quarterback

I’m not sure whether or not he can see the past, present, and future.  But I do think Grier knew that when the dust settled, Joshua Ballinger Lippincott Rosen would be sitting on the the Iron Throne.  And unless Ryan Fitzpatrick has something to do with it,

And whether or not you liked the trade, he is the team’s best hope at finding a franchise quarterback.  A franchise quarterback that they have not had since Dan Marino himself.  So for seven years the Dolphins drafted Brandon Doughty, and gave Tannehill very little competition.  Sure, David Gerrard had a straight shot to the starting job.  But a swimming pool would prove to be the difference maker.  One by one, quarterbacks would come and go.  But none ever had a chance of becoming the next Right Arm of God.  Until now.

Grier didn’t have to do much to acquire Miami’s newest hope at relevance.  Instead, he waited patiently for the asking price to slowly diminish.  And certainly Grier knew that long-time friend Jeff Ireland would be more than willing to make a trade with his former team.  Grier acquired a 2020 second-round pick and then shipped No.68 to the Cardinals for Rosen.  A great trade for all involved.

It is anyone’s guess as to whether or not Rosen will ever becomes the guy Dolphins’ fans have long yearned for. But give credit to Grier for trying to find “the guy”, no matter the cost.

Conclusion

In the end, Bran Stark sits atop the Iron Throne as a man that can see EVERYTHING.  After reading the tea leaves, new Dolphins’ general manager Chris Grier might not be far off.  He’s made countless moves that would indicate he already knew the outcome.  Furthermore, he’s taken chances on players with troubled pasts and severe uncertainty.  The Dolphins are much better off now than they were a year ago.  And during a three-year rebuild, Grier already has things further along than we expected.  Perhaps, he’s been waiting for his opportunity.  Or maybe, just maybe, he has the ability to see the future.

Maybe, Chris Grier is the Dolphins three-eyed GM.

Josh Houtz (@Houtz) believes in wargs and three-eyed ravens. He also likes the Miami Dolphins.