The NFL free agency frenzy kicked off at noon on Wednesday, and the Miami Dolphins were quick to feel the tremors as Braxton Berrios departed. Wide receiver Berrios inked a one-year deal with the Houston Texans worth $2 million, according to the ever-reliable Adam Schefter from ESPN.
Berrios’ journey with the Dolphins has been a rocky one since he joined as a free agent two seasons ago. Injuries plagued his run, keeping him off the field more often than the Dolphins would have liked.
Reflecting on his Miami days, Berrios struggled to find a foothold either as a dynamic offensive component or a special teams ace. While he arrived with high expectations, especially after a promising stint with the New York Jets, the shining spotlight shifted during his Miami tenure.
In his first season with Miami, Berrios managed to appear in 16 games but couldn’t replicate that availability the following season, missing all but six contests in 2024. This led to a rather unmemorable stint, highlighted by modest offensive stats: 27 receptions, 238 yards, and a single touchdown. Opinions swirled among fans and analysts about his potential underutilization, a discussion that will fade into what-ifs as he transitions to the Texans.
The Dolphins initially looked to Berrios to rejuvenate their return game when he joined ahead of the 2023 season. He managed some impressive moments returning kicks, but the overall special teams unit, under coach Danny Crossman’s guidance, struggled to meet expectations.
The emergence of Malik Washington as the primary return man last season further dimmed Berrios’ prospects in Miami. It appears his path with the Dolphins was set before free agency, and whether or not Miami sought to keep him remains a mystery, though it would have been a surprise if they had.
Berrios now finds himself with a fresh start in Houston, leaving behind a Miami legacy that’s forgotten as quickly as it fades. As the Texans gain a new face, both teams will look to reshape their destinies this season.