Just over a year ago Miami Dolphins GM Chris Grier was in the mist of a roster purging that was needed but also in some cases questioned. Two of the trades were immediately questioned Minkah Fitzpatrick and Laremy Tunsil. Of the two Laremy Tunsil was the more proven and while we all know that Minkah had talent it was his selfish attitude that ultimately was his undoing in Miami. (See Minkah Fitzpatrick Trade)
At the time it was truly up to debate who got the better deal in the TRADE THAT SHOCKED many of us when it was reported that the Dolphins were looking to trade Laremy Tunsil. Shortly after the rumors this is what the Dolphins reported:
“We have acquired a 2020 first-round pick, a 2021 first-round pick, a 2021 second-round pick, CB Johnson Bademosi and T Julien Davenport from the Texans in exchange for T Laremy Tunsil, WR Kenny Stills, a 2020 fourth-round pick and a 2021 sixth-round pick.”
At the time I was in disbelief because Tunsil was (and still is) one of the best LT’s in the game and to give up a young star at a position of need was hard to comprehend! (At Least For Me) The compensation though was impressive and provided the Dolphins with a plethora of picks as Miami was loaded with (2) first round and (2) 2nd round picks as well as 2 first and 2nd round picks in the upcoming 2021 NFL draft and what did it eventually garner Miami?
Miami used the 2020 first round pick from the Texans which ended up being Round 1, pick 30 on Noah Igbinoghene, CB, Auburn and he is playing a major role in our secondary where so far he is doing good but he is only 20 years old with plenty of upside.
What makes the loss of Laremy Tunsil more palatable is the fact that GM Chris Grier drafted with our other first round pick 18: Austin Jackson, OT, USC who also is just 20 years old and starting and holding his own. Miami also used the 2020 4th round pick acquired from the Texans pick 111 (from Texans) on Solomon Kindley, G, Georgia who currently is the STARTING RG and he too is holding his own!
In addition waiting in the wings is another young lineman who Grier drafted with the 2nd round pick 39: Robert Hunt, G, Louisiana-Lafayette who just might crack the starting lineup before the season ends.
The fact the Miami’s offensive line in the first three games have played exceptional (especially in pass protection) has not gone unnoticed by TDS and the local sports writers need to show Grier some love!
I had commented that who got the best out of the Laremy Tunsil trade ultimately was Laremy Tunsil! But I can say Miami comes in second because not only have they not had to pay Laremy the deal he got from Houston (Deservedly so!) Left tackle Laremy Tunsil has agreed to a three-year, $66 million contract extension with the Texans!
They found success so far in the young LT they replaced Tunsil with as Austin Jackson signed a 4 year, $13,640,342 contract with the Miami Dolphins, including a $7,480,252 signing bonus, $13,640,347 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $3,410,086
Tunsil for 22 million a year vs Jackson for $3,410,086 and I do agree that Tunsil is the better player for now but is he that much better?
I can say for sure that in hindsight GM Chris Grier did an excellent job on that deal and with this last draft. The Rebuild has shown some early success and we still have Houston’s 2021 first-round pick, and 2021 second-round pick and if you haven’t notice Houston is 0-3 and imploding! Miami might end up picking lower than Houston!
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The Dolphin Seer 
good point
It needs to be said… That after 3 games, Jackson is playing far better than Tunsil did at any point in his rookie year.