The Miami Dolphins are doubling down on their commitment to bolster their special teams, evident from their recent offseason moves.
The team made headlines again this offseason by securing Cam Brown, a linebacker formerly with the New York Giants, on Wednesday. This signing marks the second time the Dolphins have targeted a player with substantial special teams experience to address their known weaknesses in this area.
Brown, originally a sixth-round selection from Penn State in the 2020 NFL Draft, has completed four seasons with the Giants. Out of a possible 66 games during his time with New York, Brown appeared in 60. Although he saw 93 snaps on defense in his debut season, his defensive presence dwindled to just 14 snaps over the following three years.
Over his tenure with the Giants, Brown was a special teams stalwart, clocking in at 1,328 snaps and consistently participating in over 80 percent of the team’s special teams plays.
Patricia Traina, Publisher at Giants Country, offered her insights on Brown: “Initially recognized for his unique blend of physical attributes, Cam Brown emerged as a key figure on special teams for the Giants. Despite his brief venture into the defensive play as an outside linebacker, transitioning to an inside linebacker didn’t bear fruit due to his lack of defensive acumen. While his journey on special teams had its highs and lows, Brown’s relentless effort and distinct physical traits were undeniable—though consistency issues likely led to the Giants’ decision to part ways.”
This addition underscores the Miami Dolphins’ strategic push to enhance their special teams unit, following the acquisition of cornerback Siran Neal from the Buffalo Bills earlier in the offseason.
After landing 31st in Rick Gosselin’s comprehensive special teams rankings for the last season—based on 22 different statistical categories—the Dolphins are leaving no stone unturned to facilitate improvement in this crucial facet of their game. The offseason also saw a change in the coaching lineup, with Ronnie Bradford taking over as the assistant special teams coach in place of Branden Farrell. However, head coach Mike McDaniel has stressed that coaching wasn’t the core issue.
At the 2024 combine, McDaniel elaborated on the multifaceted nature of the decisions he faces, emphasizing that while results are crucial, understanding the underlying factors and charting a forward path is key to achieving the desired improvement in the team’s overall performance. McDaniel’s confidence in the existing coaching setup to spearhead these improvements reflects a strategic and measured approach towards elevating the Dolphins’ special teams play, indicating a clear vision for progress in the upcoming seasons.