The Miami Dolphins’ incredibly unique 2026 situation was broken down by ESPN’s Adam Schefter in a way that encapsulates the extraordinary challenges.
“The NFL salary cap this year will be about $308 million,” Schefter said. “The Dolphins have over $175 million in dead cap money. So we’re talking about a team that basically has about $133 million against the salary cap, to go spend this year.
“It’s fascinating to think about. And if you look at the composition of their roster, it’s just way different than most people will be. They have 43 players, next year, who are signed for the minimum wage. Forty three players. The next highest in the league is 31. Ten of their 70 players have a salary cap number of $2 million or greater.”
Hence, the very, very, very low expectations.
Schefter says we have never seen a team “try to do what the Dolphins are about to do.”
So, it’s not just a rebuild, it’s a massive new project.
This team is projected to finish in the range of 3-14 to 5-12.
So, what’s a fan to root for? Well, here are 5 realistic goals:
Malik Willis proves to be a quality starting quarterback
There is no position more important than quarterback. The Dolphins tore their roster down to the studs yet added a 26-year-old quarterback they think might be their quarterback of the future. Why? Well, because he was available and he wanted to come and because Miami was in no position to pass on a player with his arm strength and athleticism and upside. And because he came at a reasonable price. Miami will know by the end of the 2026 season if they need to use a 1st-round pick in 2027 on a quarterback. And that’s a great place to be. Does Willis lift his teammates? Does Willis flash a continued improvement in the areas of accuracy and decision-making? Does Willis emerge as a strong leader? It’s certainly possible. Willis gives Miami fans a reason to watch in 2026. And a good one.
Jeff Hafley sets a new tone and culture
The Dolphins’ new coach, Jeff Hafley, gets one chance to make a first impression. And one must imagine he’ll take it. The last Dolphins coach, Mike McDaniel, was perceived as too player-friendly, and some players have said the team lacked discipline and accountability. Figure Hafley will have tougher practices. Figure Hafley will set a few early examples of what happens to players who are late, or loaf. The jettisoning of some stars should make the task a bit easier for Hafley as he attempts to establish a solid team culture with a youthful roster.
Five capable rookie starters selected by Jon-Eric Sullivan
The Dolphins have seven picks in the first three rounds of the next NFL draft. In an ideal situation, first-year general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan will land starters at at least five position. Starters at cornerback, wide receiver, guard, edge rusher and safety would be a good place to start. The Packers had a much better track record of drafting in the last decade than Miami. And there is some hope in the idea that Sullivan brings his notepad from Green Bay to Miami. Other positions Sullivan figures to address with 11 total picks includes tight end, linebacker and offensive tackle.
Uncover at least two or three hidden gems
The last time Miami gutted their roster, there were a few quality gems discovered. Miami drafted Andrew Van Ginkel in the fifth round, signed Nik Needham as an undrafted free agent and signed Zach Sieler away from the Ravens. Those are the types of players Miami can hope to uncover this time around. One common thread among those three players? Effort. They all overcame perceived negatives with relentlessness and work ethic. Miami could use a few more guys like them. Expect Sullivan to churn the bottom of Miami’s roster with regularity.
Give fans, observers a taste of new Dolphins identity
The national perception of the Dolphins is that they have been soft, bad on the road, bad in the cold, bad against quality opponents and bad in the spotlight. With a new coach and a new GM, there is an opportunity to establish a new identity. Some former Dolphins players and executives found former coach Brian Flores difficult to work with. But there is no doubt he established a toughness that Hafley – another coach with Boston College connections – would be well-served to attempt to replicate. Hafley will try to establish a physical run game, a physical, hard-hitting defense and an tougher mindset, while also earning the trust and respect of his players and the people around him. Oh, and as of March 25, what about wins? As of today, we’ll guess 5-12. But really, that does not matter. So many other things matter more.
Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe’s free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins’ 2026 season: Five realistic goals for a unique rebuild
Reporting by Joe Schad, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
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