Miami Dolphins spark safety controversy with rookie Trader sidelined for veteran Davis
The Miami Dolphins have taken an unexpected turn in their safety rotations during recent games, particularly with the increased reliance on Ashtyn Davis, which has drastically limited the playing time of rookie fifth-round pick Dante Trader Jr. This past week against the New Orleans Saints, Davis logged 66 defensive snaps—his highest total of the season—while Trader was relegated to just five snaps, marking the fewest he has played in any game this year where he saw action.
Despite being a promising rookie, Trader has seen his opportunities dwindle, raising questions about the Dolphins’ decision-making. Defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver provided some clarity on the situation when he spoke on Thursday.
Understanding the Coaching Perspective
“We love Trader,” Weaver affirmed, emphasizing the importance of the experienced trio in the secondary. “The cohesion right now we have with those three vets in the back end is strong. Those guys, because of their football acumen, can correct a lot of things in real time. Where sometimes with rookies, there’s a glitch there sometimes in the matrix—where they get it, but there’s just a little hitch.”
While it is common for coaches to favor veterans for their experience and communication skills, the disparity in snap counts—66 for Davis compared to Trader’s five—does not appear to be justified by their on-field performances.
A Crowded Safety Room
The Dolphins boast a deep pool of talent in their safety lineup, including Minkah Fitzpatrick and Ifeatu Melifonwu alongside Trader and Davis. Although Fitzpatrick is primarily listed as a safety, he has spent much of his time in the slot due to injuries affecting that position. This has opened up more opportunities for Melifonwu, who has consistently surpassed 36 snaps in four of the last five games, along with Davis and Trader.
Nevertheless, the Dolphins should consider a more balanced distribution of snaps between Davis and Trader. Davis’s performance this season has raised eyebrows; he has recorded a staggering 19.9% missed tackle rate according to Pro Football Focus. Additionally, he has allowed 12 receptions on 16 targets and has made only one notable play on the ball, which occurred in Week 2 against New England.
In contrast, Trader’s missed tackle rate is lower at 16.7%, and he has permitted nine catches from 11 targets, also recording one play on the ball. While statistics can sometimes mislead, watching the film reveals that Trader is a stronger option in man coverage and displays more reliability against the run.
Future Implications for the Dolphins
The development of Trader is crucial for the Dolphins’ long-term plans. With Davis set to enter free agency this offseason, cultivating a cost-effective starter like Trader—especially for a fifth-round pick—could prove to be a significant win for Miami. Although it remains challenging to assess Davis’s communication impact on the defense from an outsider’s perspective, Trader has certainly made some rookie errors this season. Still, benching him in favor of a player as inconsistent as Davis raises eyebrows.
To his credit, Weaver acknowledged that Trader will see more playing time as the season progresses. “It just takes a little bit longer to process,” he stated. “Trader is a stud, right? And his football intelligence is high. He just needs more experience. So he’s gonna play. His numbers will vary from game to game, but we certainly haven’t lost faith in him or Jason Marshall or any of those young bucks. Those guys are going to play a lot of football for us, and they’re going to play a lot of meaningful football down the road.”
As the Dolphins navigate the remainder of the season, it will be interesting to see if Weaver follows through on his promise to elevate Trader’s role or continues to lean on the veteran presence in the secondary.
