Dolphins training camp preview: Five story lines on offense, from Dalvin Cook to Tua

With head coach Mike McDaniel’s innovative schemes, the arrival of wide receiver Tyreek Hill and a breakout season from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, the Dolphins produced an offense in 2022 that Miami’s franchise hasn’t seen since the days of Hall of Fame passer Dan Marino.

And yet, players think there’s another level to reach after a late-season skid that coincided with Tagovailoa being sidelined by a second stint in the NFL’s concussion protocol.

The front office didn’t make wholesale changes to the unit in the offseason. However, a few underrated additions and continuity could lead to a more consistent — and dynamic — offense in 2023.

As the Dolphins prepare to open training camp with their first full-team practice on Wednesday, here are five story lines on offense to monitor.

Do the Dolphins sign Dalvin Cook?

The addition of the Pro Bowl running back and Miami native would be a late, but major, addition to a team that already has one of the most talented rosters in the NFL. The Dolphins have long been linked to Cook. They spoke to the Minnesota Vikings about a trade earlier in the offseason. Since his release in June, Miami has offered a contract, and Cook reportedly has multiple offers on the table. But none have seemingly been to his liking.

The running back market has been unforgiving this offseason, though, and multiple established players at Cook’s position are still free agents. Could Cook lower his asking price? Could the Dolphins add a few dollars to their current offer to sweeten the deal? Cook has said he isn’t in a rush to sign so the questions will linger until he lands with a new team.

Does Connor Williams show up — and does he practice?

Williams’ transition from guard to center was a revelation in his first season as a Dolphin. But Williams, entering the final season of the two-year deal he signed, was not present at mandatory minicamp — seemingly in protest for a new contract. McDaniel said Williams’ absence was not excused.

The NFL’s collective bargaining agreement makes it hard for players under contract to hold out of training camp. Players who do not report are subject to daily fines of $50,000. But in recent years, players have opted to “hold in,” reporting to camp but not practicing as the contract dispute is handled. It occurred with cornerback Xavien Howard two years ago as he sought to receive a pay raise.

In just one season, Williams has established himself as one of the offense’s most indispensable players. Does his contract issue get handled?

How much more comfortable is Tua running the offense?

Throughout various offseason interviews, Tagovailoa has mentioned the benefits of returning to the same offensive scheme in 2023 — not just for him but for the entire unit. A group that was one of the league’s explosive offenses can build on the success of last season while also looking to address areas of weakness.

There was widespread attention on Tagovailoa last summer and various questions, from whether he could establish himself as a legitimate quarterback to if his arm was strong enough to connect with Hill. There’s not as much focus on Tagovailoa’s ability this time around, though the injury concerns are still present — and the noncontact practices won’t do anything to quell that soon.

Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s scheme is known for confusing quarterbacks, so Tagovailoa will be tested. To his credit, he was poised and efficient during offseason workouts, most of which were conducted without top wideouts Hill and Jaylen Waddle getting significant practice reps.

Who emerges as the No. 3 receiver?

The Dolphins have about a half dozen players vying for snaps as the third wide receiver behind Hill and Waddle — Robbie Chosen, Cedrick Wilson Jr., Braxton Berrios, Erik Ezukanma and River Cracraft — and there are viable paths to playing time for each.

It’s a good problem for the Dolphins but will also make for tough roster decisions, especially since the final spots are typically decided by special teams. Only Berrios and Cracraft have an extensive history contributing there (Wilson has also filled in as a punt returner in his career).

At this point, Chosen should be seen as a favorite to assume the spot vacated by Trent Sherfield. Though Chosen was a late addition in free agency, he was a top performer in offseason workouts, quickly establishing a connection with Tagovailoa. His speed and ability to play outside or in the slot also fit well with the offense. But Wilson, Berrios, Ezukanma — and even Cracraft, who caught a pair of touchdown passes early last season — shouldn’t be counted out.

Can De’Von Achane carry over his spring performance?

The Dolphins didn’t get many contributions from their 2022 Draft class but offseason workouts have created some belief that that could change in 2023. Achane, the team’s third-round pick, showcased his track speed and was active in the passing game. He has a pair of veteran running backs ahead on the depth chart in Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. But McDaniel coveted him in the Draft and could find creative ways to get him the ball. Arcane could also be a factor on special teams as a returner but that won’t be revealed until the preseason starts.