What Dolphins parting with GM Chris Grier could mean for Miami's NFL deadline plans

The Miami Dolphins, after a brutal 28-6 Thursday Night Football blowout loss to the Baltimore Ravens, have, according to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, mutually decided to part ways with general manager Chris Grier.

It's a very interesting move from the Dolphins, as it changes their general manager less than a week before the 2025 NFL trade deadline. Grier has been with Miami as their GM since 2016, and with only a few days to go until the deadline, a new GM is taking over.

But now, with former Las Vegas Raiders executive Champ Kelly taking over as the interim general manager, the Dolphins' trade deadline plans come into focus. How will the Dolphins' deadline plans change, if at all, with Kelly as the GM will be a huge storyline to focus on as the deadline approaches.

How Dolphins parting with Chris Grier could change trade deadline plans

After the Week 9 loss, the Dolphins are 2-7 and look to be clear sellers. But, with Grier as the GM, there were rumors that the Dolphins wouldn't be major sellers, instead looking to stay competitive through the deadline.

What this change could bring is a much more active deadline for Miami. Kelly might have a new directive from owner Stephen Ross to sell off more of their assets, something that Grier might not have been willing to do to keep his job.

But now that he's out of the GM chair, the Dolphins moving on from a lot more of their players shouldn't be out of the question.

Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb, Jaylen Wright, and Matthew Judon are a few names who could be on the move. But now, a Jaylen Waddle trade might be more likely for Miami.

This is a very rare decision from the Dolphins to part with their general manager in the middle of the season, let alone right before the trade deadline.

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Negotiations are sure to be changed now that Grier is no longer the general manager. The main question is whether those negotiations will be more inclusive or if the Dolphins will look to keep these players.

However, in Ross's statement on Grier's departure that Schefter shared on Twitter/X, Ross emphasized the need for change. "... change could not wait. We must improve - in 2025, 2026 and beyond- and it needs to start right now."

Statement from Dolphins’ Chairman of the Board/Managing General Partner Stephen M. Ross:
 
“This morning, I made the decision along with general manager Chris Grier to mutually part ways. I have incredible respect for Chris and his family, and I want to thank him for his many…

This line is a much stronger sense of urgency for the Dolphins than prior comments, and it indicates that Miami is not going to stand pat at the deadline.

One major change already came for Miami in the departure of Grier, and now, the Dolphins might be more open to moving on from their players than ever before.

While players like De'Von Achane and Waddle aren't likely to be moved, with this new general manager in charge, more changes could be coming for Miami.

Regardless of how the Dolphins proceed at the deadline, it's sure to be a very interesting one. Kelly was once an interim GM of the Raiders and will get another chance with Miami. Except this time, he could be the architect of a fire sale at the deadline as Miami looks to make some changes and improve not just in 2025, but for the future as well.

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