The Miami Dolphins made two moves recently at tight end, and neither involved part-time starter Dion Sims.
Two weeks ago, Miami traded for former Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Julius Thomas, who is now the projected starter for 2017 and will be reunited with head coach Adam Gase after the two spent time together with the Denver Broncos. The Dolphins also signed backup MarQueis Gray, who was a pleasant surprise in limited playing time last season, to a two-year contract in December.
So where does this leave Sims?
The four-year veteran wrapped up his rookie contract in 2016 and finished with 26 receptions for 256 yards and four touchdowns. But Sims’ game has never been defined by numbers. He was by far Miami’s best blocking tight end. Its running game was dominant at times with Pro Bowler tailback Jay Ajayi, in part, because Sims blocks like a sixth offensive lineman.
Sims is perhaps the most underrated player in Miami’s free-agent class. He should not be expensive, and the Dolphins would be wise to re-sign him to pair with Thomas, who is primarily a receiving tight end.
Thomas historically has not been a very willing or strong blocker at the point of attack. Although there is a chance that could change with different scenery and different coaching, that appears unlikely. The Dolphins traded for Thomas due to his ability to catch the ball, particularly in the red zone. Thomas scored 24 touchdowns during a two-year run in Gase’s offense while in Denver.
However, someone in the tight-end group needs to do the dirty work for Miami's offense. Sims, despite little fanfare, has been very good at doing the dirty work and little things for years.
