Versatile Braxton Berrios ‘down to do whatever’ for Dolphins – Miami

MIAMI — Braxton Berrios has at least one clearly defined role with the Miami Dolphins: He will be their return man in 2023, unless he cedes the job to someone else.

Since entering the league in 2019, the Dolphins’ recent signee has the seventh-most total return yards in the NFL, and he has averaged the second-most yards per punt return. He was an All-Pro at the position in 2021 for the New York Jets.

Berrios joins Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, who were both skilled returners at one point in their careers. But quietly, he also combines with Hill and Waddle to form arguably the best receiver trio in the NFL in terms of creating separation.

“They’re truly one of the best wide receiver duos in the league,” Berrios said. “I can’t wait to get in that room and just watch and learn from them and hear how they see the game or how they see the route against this coverage and all the variations.

“So obviously I’m down to do whatever whenever, and I’ve always been that way and maybe, you know, if they take the top off, I’ll work across the middle or I’ll work outside. I’ll really do whatever it takes to win.”

Berrios didn’t turn heads with his receiving output last season, recording just 18 catches for 145 yards on 32 targets — all the fewest since his rookie season in 2019.

But the Jets’ below-average quarterback play was more to blame for his lack of production; he still performed at an elite level as a separator. His 4.01 average yards of separation were second only to Arizona Cardinals receiver Greg Dortch last season, and while 24% of his 176 routes run last season were vertical, playing under Dolphins head coach and offensive playcaller Mike McDaniel will allow him to utilize a more diverse route tree.

“I…