NFL News: Tua Tagovailoa, Mike McDaniel lose Dolphins weapon to CJ Stroud’s Texans for 2025

Things in the NFL can change in the blink of an eye, especially at the start of free agency. If not, just ask Tua Tagovailoa and Mike McDaniel. On Monday, the Miami Dolphins found out they’re losing a player to C.J. Stroud’s Houston Texans.

According to NFL insider Adam Schefter of ESPN, wide receiver Braxton Berrios is leaving the Dolphins to sign a one-year, $2 million contract with the Texans for the 2025 NFL season.

Berrios, 29, spent 2023 and 2024 with McDaniel and Tagovailoa in Miami, playing both seasons under one-year deals. The Dolphins were able to retain him last summer, but this time, the wideout found a new home in the very first day of free agency.

What Berrios brings to Stroud’s Texans after time with Dolphins

Stroud will probably rely on other wideouts for the passing game, with Berrios expected to compete for the No. 4 WR spot, but the Miami product could give a huge boost to the Texans on special teams.

Braxton Berrios #0 of the Miami Dolphins is introduced prior to a game against the New York Jets at Hard Rock Stadium on December 17, 2023 in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Berrios proved useful for Tagovailoa and McDaniel in that unit, blossoming into a return specialist during his time in Miami. Last year, he averaged 25.3 yards per return and 14.7 yards per punt return before tearing his ACL in Week 7 of the 2024 NFL season.

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NFL News: Tua Tagovailoa’s Dolphins make necessary move to keep key player for Mike McDaniel

Another loss for Tagovailoa, McDaniel

While losing Berrios may not change the Dolphins’ scheme, it represents yet another departure in offense for Miami. Only a few days ago, Tagovailoa lost a teammate to Caleb Williams’ Chicago Bears with tight end Durham Smythe moving to the Windy City this offseason.

More wide receivers for Stroud in Houston

On the other hand, the Texans keep on making additions around Stroud. Before landing Berrios, the team traded for Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk, giving the WR room a much-needed boost after Tank Dell’s injury during the playoffs. Let’s keep in mind that the group also needs depth because Stefon Diggs is hitting the open market.