The Miami Dolphins have officially inked a deal with their second-round draft choice, Patrick Paul, as announced by the franchise this Tuesday. Paul, a former Houston standout, enters the NFL with a notable collegiate career behind him, including two First-Team All-AAC honors and a First-Team All-Big 12 nod in 2023, following Houston’s transition to the Big 12 Conference. At 6’7″ and 331 pounds, Paul is anticipated to initially serve in a backup capacity to seasoned left tackle Terron Armstead.
Paul, at the age of 22 and selected 55th overall in the April draft, joins the Dolphins with high expectations resting on his sizable shoulders. His collegiate achievements have set a promising backdrop for his transition to the professional level.
In a gesture to the team’s fanbase, the Miami Dolphins took to Twitter to celebrate the signing, rallying support around their new member with a hearty “Let’s get it, @PatrickPaul_76!”
Dolphins’ head coach Mike McDaniel expressed his optimism about Paul’s future with the team, especially in light of his performance during the team’s recent minicamp. “His approach has been awesome so far and really excited to continue this growth now that we’ve seen through spring to when we get back to camp and really build,” McDaniel remarked. He highlighted the importance of training camp and the physical preparation it offers to linemen like Paul.
Financial specifics of Paul’s contract remain undisclosed, but it’s expected to align with the standard set by the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement. Based on his draft position, Paul’s contract is likely modeled after a four-year deal worth approximately $6,911,696, which includes a $1,846,688 signing bonus.
With Paul’s contract settled, the Dolphins now have only their first-round pick, Chop Robinson, left to secure under a rookie contract. This move underscores the team’s efforts to lock in their new talent and build for the future, promising an exciting development phase for Dolphins fans and South Florida’s sports enthusiasts.