Jakeem Grant Dealt to Bears, Who’s Next in the Return Game?

Amid clear offensive woes, the Miami Dolphins took a step in addressing what clearly needs fixing.

Grant Traded Despite Restructuring Contract

They traded wide receiver and special teams returner Jakeem Grant on Tuesday to the Chicago Bears in exchange for a 2023 sixth-round pick.

Grant signed a large four-year, $24 million dollar contract extension in 2019, but took a pay cut and opted to change his deal to one-year prior to this season in order to make the roster. Did the Dolphins specifically come out and say that was why? Of course not. But with 14 wideouts in their receiver room during training camp, with at least half better than Grant, one can imply.

Injuries Played a Role in Grant Making 53-Man Roster

Grant was on the bubble to make the 53-man roster, still, despite the pay cut. However, after season-ending injuries to WRs Allen Hurns and Lynn Bowden Jr., as well as utility offensive player Malcolm Perry getting traded to New England, Grant was needed for depth on the roster – mostly for special teams.

Brian Flores Not Silent on Grant’s Poor Play vs Colts

But even his special teams lacked in four games this season, and head coach Brian Flores, didn’t hide it following Miami’s week four home loss to the Indianapolis Colts.

“I think we are still evaluating all positions, to include the returner position,” Flores said. “Obviously Jakeem struggled a bit (Sunday). He’s been very productive for a number of years but struggled a bit yesterday. We’ll take a look at that position, like we will for all positions, and do what we feel is best for the team.”

It wasn’t the first time Flores has pointed out Grant’s struggles in the return game.

Grant’s Career Numbers Don’t Wow

The former sixth-round pick has had 12 fumbles for the orange and aqua in five seasons and some change.

He also never had more than two TDs as a receiver in any season either, including any rushing scores he accumulated.

Grant played in 70 games with eight starts across his little more than five seasons. He brought in 91 receptions for 1,001 yards (11.0 avg.) and five scores in addition to 12 carries for 43 yards (3.6 avg.) and one TD.

On special teams, he had 89 kickoff returns for 2,206 yards (24.8 avg.) and two scores, and 101 punt returns for 978 yards (9.7 avg.) and three TDs. The punt returns for touchdowns came in 2016, ’18 and ’20, while the kickoff returns for touchdowns in 2018 and ’19.

Jaylen Waddle, Noah Igbinoghene Next Men Up

Grant’s job was already in question after Miami drafted receiver Jaylen Waddle No. 6 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. Waddle, like Grant, specializes in special teams returns and started for the Dolphins in his first game as their No. 3 WR.

Waddle and cornerback Noah Igbinoghene are expected to take over kick return duties going forward.

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– Kayla Morton is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Miami Dolphins. She is also competing in the national #SFB11 — if you’d like to make a donation with her please reach out to her via Twitter. Like and follow on Follow @northdakayla74 Follow @FPC_Dolphins and Facebook.