The Miami Dolphins had an active free agency about 7 months ago, they made multiple signings that helped solidify key spots on their roster. Players such as Jordyn Brooks, Aaron Brewer, Anthony Walker, and Jonnu Smith were brought in, all of which have had significant playing time and have played well throughout the year. However, one signing specifically not mentioned, has been a clear negative to the team’s success this year. His name is Jordan Poyer.
Jordan Poyer is a veteran safety in the National Football League, he has spent time early in his career with Philadelphia and Cleveland. However from 2017-2023, Poyer spent his time starting on the backline for the Dolphins division rival Buffalo Bills. Poyer was brought in by the Dolphins on a one year deal worth up to 2 million dollars. The Dolphins were in need of a safety after deciding not to bring back Deshon Elliot. Elliot is now with the Steelers on a 2 year deal worth up to 6 million dollars, only 1 million dollars more per year than Poyers deal.
To put it nicely, Jordan Poyer has been the very worst starter on the Miami Dolphins, he has made negative plays in almost every game he has played in. The negative play started week 2 on Thursday night football, ironically against the Buffalo Bills. In this game on a big third down, Josh Allen threaded the needle to Khalil Shakir over the middle, the ball hit the ground but there was a flag on the ground. Poyer initiated head to head contact with Shakir, moving the chains for Buffalo. This was a big play in the game, as the Bills scored later in the game. He also later in the game got beat badly by James Cook on poor run defense, this was another big explosive play given up in his regard. At the time the game was a one score game, but the Bills won by 21 points.
There were no notable negative plays the following week against Seattle, there definitely weren’t any notable plays made by him either. The next week was a different story. On Monday night football, the Dolphins were suited up ready to play the Tennessee Titans. In the second quarter of the game, the Dolphins were facing a rushing attack from the Titans. The Titans ran the ball towards Phillips’ side, Tony Pollard split the gap. Jordan Poyer was coming down hill to make the tackle, and Poyer completely missed Pollard and hit Phillips below his knees. This was obviously accidental, however the missed tackle was the catalyst of Phillips partially tearing his ACL.
The next game against the Patriots there were no notable negative plays, once again there were no notable positive ones either. The following week against the Colts in the fourth quarter, disaster struck again. Poyer had a chance to make a game changing interception, an interception that could have put the Dolphins in prime position to win the game. Instead, he let the ball go right through his hands, resulting in a completed pass to Michael Pittman Jr. The ball was high for Poyer, but definitely catchable, the Colts ended up scoring on this drive. The game finished 16-10 Indianapolis, another loss for Miami.
A week later, you could guess what happened. Another chance for Poyer to make a play, it slipped right through his hands. Tua Tagovailoa was back for Miami on offense, this gave the Dolphins a necessary spark to stay in football games and not rely on the defense. The defense completely broke, they gave up 29 points in a loss to the Cardinals. Poyer himself had an opportunity to win the football game for the Dolphins. In the late second half, a ball was tipped in the air by a Dolphins defender, Poyer had the chance for a game changing interception, but he could not catch it. One could say this was unlucky, in my personal opinion the ball was very catchable, and this was an old football player not making a play.
The final negative notable play so far during the season came on Sunday, once again coming against his old team, the Buffalo Bills. With about a minute left in the game, Josh Allen threw the ball up to Keon Coleman. Cam Smith played great defense, staying with Coleman the whole time not allowing him to catch the ball. Poyer came in late, and initiated a helmet to helmet hit on Coleman, the refs immediately threw the flag. Buffalo was awarded 15 yards and an automatic first down on what would have been a 4th down. They later kicked a 61 yard field goal and beat the Dolphins.
Some plays could be considered unlucky, some plays could be considered tough plays, and some might say that I am being too harsh. The reality is there are too many instances of negative plays to call it a fluke at this point. If the Dolphins simply brought back Deshon Elliott, who is playing excellently for the Steelers right now, I think it is very possible they have a few more wins on their record.
If you do not believe my opinion, look at what Pro Football Focus is putting out regarding Poyer this season. They have him ranked as the 125th best safety in the league currently, this is out of 149 graded players. They have him graded with a 50.8 grade this year, an awful grade typically given to backups and role players. He has one pass deflection the entire year, and as mentioned above a bunch of negative plays to his defense. If Poyer was even a bottom tier starting safety, he would at least be ranked in the top 64 of eligible safeties, instead he is ranked below rookie depth players.
All in all, it is only fitting that Poyer comes from Buffalo, an organization that has had Miami’s number since Josh Allen was drafted in 2018. Did the Bills send Miami a Trojan Horse? I think so…