MIAMI _ The Miami Dolphins have implied (or at least had it inferred) that they'll be tanking in 2019 with an eye on finding their quarterback of the future in the 2020 draft. The Fins also have said that was misinterpreted and that they'll be playing to win this year.
You can't be in-between. Stuck-in-the-middle mediocrity is what got the franchise in this elongated doldrums in the first place.
Only the Dolphins' actions will reveal the club's true intentions on tanking vs. playing to win. It will happen soon, with NFL free agency starting next week. And it will be reflected in what Miami does with its three biggest-name veterans: Running back Frank Gore, defensive end Cameron Wake and, oh yeah, quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
In tank mode, all three will be gone.
If they're actually competing, all three being back for one more season (under the right circumstances) might be the smart play.
Hear me out, would you? It's a flight of fancy. No boarding fees.
