2026 Miami Dolphins Season Outlook

The Miami Dolphins enter the 2026 season beginning a new competitive cycle rather than attempting to preserve the previous one.

Jeff Hafley has replaced Mike McDaniel as head coach, with Bobby Slowik coordinating the offense and Sean Duggan overseeing the defense. Miami also has a new general manager in Jon-Eric Sullivan and will start someone other than Tua Tagovailoa on opening day for the first time since 2021.

The roster has been rebuilt around a different identity. Miami no longer has the star-heavy receiving corps that once defined its offense. Instead, the Dolphins have emphasized a powerful and athletic offensive line, De’Von Achane’s versatility, a large draft class and a defense built around Zach Sieler, Kenneth Grant, Jordyn Brooks and a younger secondary.

The Dolphins have enough talent to improve during the season, but they enter with enormous uncertainty at quarterback and receiver. The schedule is also unforgiving: Miami plays nine games against teams that reached the 2025 playoffs, tied for the third-most in the NFL.

Offense

Quarterback

Malik Willis is expected to become Miami’s opening-day starter.

The Dolphins signed Willis to a three-year contract after he spent two seasons backing up Jordan Love in Green Bay. During 11 appearances there, Willis completed 79 percent of his passes, averaged 10.9 yards per attempt and threw six touchdown passes without an interception. He also rushed for 261 yards and three scores. Miami has explicitly characterized him as a player it intends to build around rather than a temporary bridge.

Willis provides an entirely different quarterback profile from Tagovailoa.

His principal strengths are:

• A powerful arm capable of attacking the entire field.
• High-level athletic ability.
• Designed-run value.
• The ability to escape pressure.
• A physical frame that can withstand more contact than many mobile quarterbacks.
• Experience in a structured Green Bay offense.

His presence should expand Miami’s running game. Defenses must account for Willis on read-option plays, bootlegs and designed keepers, creating additional hesitation against Achane and the offensive line.

Slowik can build the offense around:

• Outside and inside zone.
• Play-action from under center.
• Read-option concepts.
• Designed quarterback movement.
• Deep throws off max protection.
• Multiple-tight-end formations.
• Simplified half-field progressions.

The concern is that Willis has never been a full-season NFL starter. His impressive Green Bay production came in a limited sample, often within carefully managed game plans. Miami must determine whether he can consistently process complex pressure looks and succeed when opponents force him to win through conventional dropback passing.

Quinn Ewers is the leading alternative. Ewers made three starts as a rookie, completing 66 percent of his attempts for 7.5 yards per pass with three touchdowns and three interceptions. The coaching staff has praised his improved ownership of the offense entering his second year.

Cam Miller and undrafted rookie Mark Gronowski provide developmental depth. Both possess extensive collegiate rushing production, reinforcing Miami’s preference for quarterbacks who can contribute outside the pocket.

Willis gives the offense upside. He also gives it considerable volatility. Miami’s final record may depend more on his transition from reserve to starter than on any other individual development.

Running back

Running back is the strongest offensive skill position.

De’Von Achane produced 1,350 rushing yards on 238 attempts in 2025 and added 67 receptions for 488 yards and four receiving touchdowns. His 1,838 yards from scrimmage ranked second in Dolphins single-season history before an injury kept him out of the finale. Miami’s running backs collectively averaged 4.7 yards per carry, the fourth-highest rate in the league.

Achane is one of the NFL’s most explosive players. He can score through:

• Outside-zone runs.
• Interior cutbacks.
• Screens.
• Option routes.
• Jet action.
• Alignments from the slot.
• Broken plays after Willis escapes the pocket.

The Willis-Achane combination may become especially dangerous. Edge defenders will be forced to decide between closing on Achane or remaining responsible for the quarterback, and either hesitation can produce an explosive gain.

Ollie Gordon II offers a larger and more physical complement. Jaylen Wright provides another speed option, while Donovan Edwards brings receiving and open-field ability. Fullback DJ Herman gives Slowik a player for heavier formations.

The likely distribution is:

• Achane as the primary runner and receiving threat.
• Gordon handling physical and short-yardage work.
• Wright contributing as a rotational speed back.
• Edwards competing for passing-down and special-teams snaps.
• Herman functioning as a blocker and formation piece.

Miami should avoid overloading Achane simply because the receiver room is inexperienced. His value is greatest when he remains explosive and can be moved throughout the offense rather than treated as a conventional 300-carry back.

Wide receiver

Wide receiver is Miami’s greatest offensive concern.

The room has been completely reconstructed following a major trade and a veteran release. Only Malik Washington and Tahj Washington remain from the group’s recent draft classes, and Miami selected three receivers in 2026.

The current group includes:

• Malik Washington
• Jalen Tolbert
• Tutu Atwell
• Caleb Douglas
• Chris Bell
• Kevin Coleman Jr.
• Jalen Reagor
• Terrace Marshall Jr.
• Theo Wease Jr.
• Tahj Washington
• AJ Henning
• Donaven McCulley

Malik Washington is the most established returning Dolphin. He has accumulated 540 receiving yards over two seasons and also offers significant return value.

Tolbert is a leading candidate for a starting outside role. His best NFL season came in 2024, when he caught 49 passes for 610 yards and seven touchdowns. Atwell provides elite speed and has averaged 14.6 yards per reception during his career.

The rookie class provides contrasting profiles:

• Caleb Douglas: A 6-foot-4 outside receiver with movement skills.
• Chris Bell: A powerful 220-pound boundary target.
• Kevin Coleman Jr.: An explosive slot receiver and return candidate.

Bell began camp preparation on the active/non-football injury list, making his availability worth monitoring.

Miami appears to be replacing established star production through depth, physical diversity and competition rather than one obvious No. 1 receiver.

That creates several problems:

• Willis lacks an established high-volume target.
• The starting hierarchy is unclear.
• None of the current receivers has recently produced a 1,000-yard NFL season.
• Multiple rookies may be asked to contribute immediately.
• Timing and trust must develop simultaneously with a new quarterback and scheme.

Slowik can help through formation design and play-action, but Miami needs at least two receivers to emerge quickly. Tolbert, Malik Washington and Douglas are the most plausible early starters, while Atwell should retain a specific vertical role.

Tight end

Greg Dulcich leads a remade tight-end group.

Dulcich emerged late in 2025 after beginning the season on the practice squad. Over the final five games, he caught 16 of 18 targets for 222 yards and a touchdown, ranking among the league’s most productive tight ends during that span.

His route-running and ability after the catch make him a potential breakout player, particularly for a quarterback who may rely heavily on the middle of the field.

Miami supplemented Dulcich with:

• Ben Sims
• Will Kacmarek
• Seydou Traore
• Cole Turner

Kacmarek was drafted primarily for his punishing blocking ability. Traore offers greater passing-game explosiveness after recording 1,480 receiving yards during his college career. Sims adds another physical in-line option.

This room fits Miami’s new offensive direction.

The Dolphins can use heavier personnel to:

• Support the offensive tackles.
• Create additional running gaps.
• Sell play-action.
• Give Willis larger intermediate targets.
• Keep defenses in base personnel.
• Move Dulcich away from the formation.

Dulcich has the potential to become Miami’s leading receiver. That would be valuable production, although it would also reflect the uncertainty at wide receiver.

Offensive line

The offensive line may be Miami’s strongest overall unit if it remains healthy.

The projected starting five is:

• Left tackle: Patrick Paul
• Left guard: Kadyn Proctor
• Center: Aaron Brewer
• Right guard: Jonah Savaiinaea
• Right tackle: Austin Jackson

The projected lineup averages more than 321 pounds, but it also has the athleticism to execute outside zone, inside zone and gap-running concepts.

Brewer is the unit’s proven centerpiece. He earned second-team All-Pro recognition in 2025 and was a finalist for the NFL’s inaugural Protector of the Year award. His movement ability gives Miami one of the league’s most athletic centers.

Proctor was selected 12th overall after playing left tackle at Alabama. Miami plans to begin him at left guard, creating an unusually large and powerful interior combination beside Paul and Brewer.

Savaiinaea, the 37th pick in the 2025 draft, shifts to right guard after playing left guard as a rookie. His tackle background gives him valuable movement skills and positional flexibility.

Paul started all 17 games last season and showed significant improvement in both pass protection and run blocking. Jackson remains a difference-making run blocker but has missed games in consecutive seasons. His availability is the largest concern.

The depth is also improved:

• Jamaree Salyer can play four positions.
• Charlie Heck provides veteran tackle experience.
• DJ Campbell started 43 consecutive games at Texas.
• Andrew Meyer supplies center depth.
• Josh Priebe and several developmental linemen provide interior competition.

This line should create one of the league’s more physically imposing rushing attacks. The challenge will be communication and pass protection while a rookie changes positions and Willis adapts to a full-time starting role.

Defense

Defensive identity

Hafley’s background is in defensive backs and coverage structure, but Miami’s defense should be built from the inside out.

The Dolphins have:

• A deep young defensive line.
• An All-Pro linebacker.
• Multiple rotational edge rushers.
• A first-round rookie cornerback.
• Several tall, physical defensive backs.

Hafley and Duggan appear intent on creating a more physical unit that can vary its fronts and challenge receivers rather than depending primarily on speed and pressure packages.

Defensive line

Zach Sieler remains the most established defensive lineman.

Sieler recorded 5.5 sacks and reached double-digit tackles for loss for the third consecutive season, the longest active streak among NFL defensive tackles. He has 35.5 career sacks and remains Miami’s most reliable interior disruptor.

The younger foundation includes:

• Kenneth Grant
• Jordan Phillips
• Zeek Biggers
• Matthew Butler

Grant, Phillips and Biggers combined for 1,233 defensive snaps as rookies in 2025. Grant was particularly impressive late, generating 14 pressures and 10 run stops over the final five games. Phillips showed high-level play strength at nose tackle, while Biggers’ length allows him to play several positions in odd fronts.

That development gives Miami several potential combinations:

• Grant and Phillips as the heavy interior.
• Sieler attacking from different alignments.
• Biggers playing as a long base end.
• Butler contributing in the rotation.
• Multiple large fronts on early downs.

The unit is young, deep and capable of becoming a significant strength.

The concern is whether anyone besides Sieler consistently produces sacks. Grant has the talent to become that player, but Miami will be relying upon a substantial second-year jump.

Edge rushers

Chop Robinson is the leading edge defender.

Robinson recorded six sacks as a rookie but declined to four sacks and seven quarterback hits in 2025. Hafley wants him to develop into an every-down player rather than remain primarily a designated pass rusher.

Miami added several veterans:

• Josh Uche
• David Ojabo
• Robert Beal Jr.

Uche generated 23 pressures on only 142 pass-rush snaps last season, a 16.2 percent pressure rate. He also has an 11.5-sack season on his résumé. Ojabo is a former premium draft pick whose career has been interrupted by injuries.

The rotation also includes Cameron Goode, Max Llewellyn and multiple developmental players.

Miami has numerous capable rushers but no established elite finisher. Its strategy will likely involve using Robinson, Uche and Ojabo in waves while Sieler and Grant create interior pressure.

The group’s ceiling depends on Robinson. If he develops into a complete eight-to-10-sack edge defender, Miami can pressure quarterbacks without exposing its inexperienced secondary through constant blitzing.

Inside linebacker

Inside linebacker is one of the deepest rooms on the roster.

Jordyn Brooks led the NFL with 183 combined tackles in 2025 and earned first-team All-Pro recognition. Miami also extended him through the 2029 season. He is the defense’s most important communicator and its most dependable three-down defender.

Tyrel Dodson called the defense last season, while Willie Gay Jr. supplies speed and pressure ability.

Miami also made a significant draft investment:

• Jacob Rodriguez: Second-round selection and major-award winner who forced seven fumbles in his final college season.
• Trey Moore: Hybrid linebacker and edge defender with 30.5 career college sacks.
• Kyle Louis: Productive coverage and pressure linebacker with six college interceptions and 10 sacks.

Ronnie Harrison Jr. adds another hybrid option after transitioning from safety to linebacker.

The Dolphins can build multiple packages around Brooks:

• Brooks and Dodson as the conventional pairing.
• Gay entering on passing downs.
• Rodriguez competing for an early role.
• Moore rushing from different alignments.
• Harrison matching larger tight ends.
• Louis developing as a coverage and pressure player.

The position has speed, depth and versatility. The principal concern is finding a defined rotation without limiting the development of the rookies.

Cornerback

Miami’s secondary has been almost completely rebuilt.

First-round rookie Chris Johnson is expected to become a major part of the defense immediately. He did not surrender a touchdown during his final college season, and opposing quarterbacks produced a 16.0 passer rating when targeting him. Hafley has praised his ability to defend at every level, create turnovers and play inside or outside.

The other leading options include:

• JuJu Brents
• Darrell Baker Jr.
• Jason Marshall Jr.
• Marco Wilson
• Alex Austin
• Storm Duck
• Ethan Bonner

Brents has rare size and athletic traits but has struggled with availability. Marshall showed improvement during the final three games of his rookie season, recording an interception and two passes defensed.

Baker was Tennessee’s leading corner last season and played 1,349 snaps over the past two years. He and Duck began camp preparation on the active/PUP list, which could affect the early competition.

The projected early structure is difficult to determine, but Johnson should start outside. Brents, Baker, Marshall and Wilson are the leading candidates for the opposite outside and nickel responsibilities.

There is considerable length and developmental upside. There is very little proven high-end NFL coverage production.

Safety

Dante Trader Jr. is the most important returning safety.

Trader played all 17 games as a rookie, starting three and producing 55 tackles, a forced fumble and a recovery. Hafley has praised his preparation, intelligence and practice habits.

Michael Taaffe, selected in the fifth round, should compete for immediate work. Zayne Anderson and Lonnie Johnson Jr. provide experienced depth, while several younger defensive backs can be used throughout the secondary.

Miami appears likely to use interchangeable safeties rather than one traditional deep defender and one fixed box safety.

The group must help protect an inexperienced cornerback room. Communication and preventing explosive passes will be more important than producing large individual tackle totals.

Special teams

Miami completely changed its specialist group.

Zane Gonzalez and Riley Patterson are the primary kicking options. Bradley Pinion was signed at punter, while Taybor Pepper and Tucker Addington provide long-snapping competition.

Malik Washington is the most established returner after producing 1,789 return yards and a punt-return touchdown during his first two seasons. Kevin Coleman Jr. and Tutu Atwell also possess return ability.

Chris Tabor takes over as special-teams coordinator. His unit will be asked to establish stability while nearly every specialist and several coverage roles change.

The return game should remain dangerous. The kicking operation is much less certain.

Most important offseason additions

• HC Jeff Hafley: New defensive identity and organizational direction.
• QB Malik Willis: Presumptive starter and developmental bet.
• G Kadyn Proctor: 12th overall selection and projected immediate starter.
• CB Chris Johnson: First-round corner and possible defensive centerpiece.
• LB Jacob Rodriguez: Potential early contributor beside Brooks.
• WR Jalen Tolbert: Leading veteran starting candidate.
• WR Tutu Atwell: Vertical-speed specialist.
• OL Jamaree Salyer: Four-position offensive-line depth.
• EDGE Josh Uche: High-pressure-rate rotational rusher.
• EDGE David Ojabo: Upside addition if healthy.
• CB Darrell Baker Jr.: Experienced outside-corner option.
• P Bradley Pinion: Veteran punter.

Most important departures and changes

• HC Mike McDaniel: Replaced by Jeff Hafley.
• QB Tua Tagovailoa: Miami will have a different opening-day quarterback for the first time since 2021.
• The previous starting receiver hierarchy: Replaced during a broad overhaul.
• Multiple established defensive backs: Replaced by younger, longer corners and safeties.
• Most of the prior specialist operation: Rebuilt through free agency.

The quarterback and receiver changes represent a complete break from Miami’s recent offensive identity. Speed remains present, but the Dolphins are now emphasizing physicality, versatility and the running game rather than building everything around rapid timing passes to established stars.

Draft-class outlook

Miami selected 13 players:

Round	Player	Position	Projected early role
1	Kadyn Proctor	Offensive line	Starting left guard
1	Chris Johnson	Cornerback	Immediate starter
2	Jacob Rodriguez	Linebacker	Defensive rotation and starting competition
3	Caleb Douglas	Wide receiver	Outside-receiver competition
3	Will Kacmarek	Tight end	Blocking and heavy personnel
3	Chris Bell	Wide receiver	Boundary competition when healthy
4	Trey Moore	LB/edge	Hybrid pressure packages
4	Kyle Louis	Linebacker	Coverage, pressure and special teams
5	Michael Taaffe	Safety	Safety competition and special teams
5	Kevin Coleman Jr.	Wide receiver	Slot and return competition
5	Seydou Traore	Tight end	Developmental receiving role
6	DJ Campbell	Guard	Interior-line depth
7	Max Llewellyn	Edge	Developmental pass rusher

Miami selected seven offensive players and six defenders, including six players within the top 100. The Dolphins drafted three receivers and two tight ends, illustrating the scale of the offensive reset.

Proctor and Johnson are expected to start immediately.

Rodriguez could become one of the class’s most important players if he earns a major role alongside Brooks. Douglas has the clearest path among the rookie receivers because of his size and outside route profile.

This class will define the early Hafley-Sullivan era. Miami is relying on more immediate rookie production than most established playoff contenders.

Schedule assessment

Miami faces a difficult schedule with an early bye and nine road games.

The Dolphins open with consecutive road games against Las Vegas and San Francisco before hosting Kansas City in Week 3. They then travel to Minnesota and host Cincinnati before receiving their bye in Week 6.

That opening stretch creates both opportunity and risk.

Las Vegas is a manageable opener, but San Francisco, Kansas City, Minnesota and Cincinnati can all test Miami’s young secondary and inexperienced receivers.

The early bye allows Hafley to correct installation problems after five games, but it leaves Miami playing 12 consecutive weeks to close the season.

The later schedule includes:

• Detroit at home.
• Buffalo on the road.
• Denver on the road.
• Chicago at home.
• Green Bay on the road.
• The Chargers at home.
• Buffalo and New England to finish.

Miami plays nine games against seven 2025 playoff teams, including five such games on the road.

The largest schedule concerns are:

• Consecutive road games to open.
• San Francisco and Kansas City in Weeks 2 and 3.
• An early Week 6 bye.
• Twelve consecutive games after the bye.
• Road trips to Buffalo, Denver and Green Bay.
• Detroit, Chicago and the Chargers at home.
• Buffalo and New England in the final two weeks.
• Nine total road games.

Miami must win games against Las Vegas, the Jets and other comparable opponents because the upper portion of the schedule is extremely demanding.

Final prediction

Projected record: 7-10

Projected AFC East finish: Fourth place

Miami is capable of outperforming this projection.

The offensive line, running game and defensive front could give the Dolphins a high weekly floor. Willis also has the physical ability to become one of the league’s biggest breakout quarterbacks.

The safer projection remains below .500 because Miami lacks established receiving production and is integrating a new head coach, quarterback, offensive scheme and secondary.

Buffalo and New England are legitimate AFC contenders. The Jets have greater veteran receiving experience and a more established quarterback in Geno Smith. Miami has more uncertainty than all three divisional opponents.

The Dolphins’ realistic range is approximately 5-12 to 9-8.

The upper end becomes attainable if:

• Willis proves he can function as a full-time starter.
• Achane remains healthy.
• Tolbert or a rookie becomes a dependable No. 1 receiver.
• Proctor adjusts quickly to guard.
• Austin Jackson remains available.
• Grant becomes a high-level interior defender.
• Robinson develops into a complete edge rusher.
• Johnson immediately becomes a quality starting corner.
• The kicking operation stabilizes.

The lower end becomes possible if Willis struggles against complex coverage, the receivers fail to separate or the inexperienced secondary allows too many explosive passes.

Postseason probabilities

Outcome	Estimated probability
Make the playoffs	24%
Win the AFC East	7%
Earn a top-two AFC seed	1%
Win first playoff game	31% if participating
Win divisional round	14% if participating
Win AFC Championship Game	6% if participating
Win Super Bowl LXI	3% if participating
Overall probability of winning Super Bowl LXI	Below 1%

These are analytical preseason estimates rather than sportsbook odds.

Most likely postseason result

The most likely outcome is an uneven rebuilding season that produces clear progress in the trenches but ends outside the playoffs.

Miami has a plausible wild-card formula:

• Run effectively with Achane and Willis.
• Control the interior with Brewer, Proctor and Savaiinaea.
• Create defensive pressure through Sieler, Grant and Robinson.
• Use Brooks to limit explosive runs and underneath completions.
• Receive immediate contributions from the rookie class.
• Win through field position and possession rather than passing volume.

The problem is that the AFC contains numerous teams with more established quarterback and receiver combinations.

A surprise postseason appearance would require Willis to become a legitimate above-average starter. Without that development, Miami is unlikely to score consistently enough against the strongest teams on its schedule.

Overall verdict

The Dolphins are beginning a thoughtful but extremely ambitious reset.

Their greatest strengths are:

• De’Von Achane’s elite explosiveness.
• A deep running-back room.
• A large and athletic offensive line.
• Aaron Brewer’s All-Pro-level center play.
• Significant rookie investment.
• Zach Sieler’s consistency.
• Kenneth Grant’s breakout potential.
• Jordyn Brooks’ production and leadership.
• Several versatile linebackers.
• A young secondary built to Hafley’s preferences.
• Malik Willis’ physical upside.

The principal risks are:

• Willis’ limited starting experience.
• No established high-volume receiver.
• Heavy dependence on rookies.
• Austin Jackson’s recent availability.
• Multiple offensive-line position changes.
• No proven elite edge rusher.
• An inexperienced cornerback hierarchy.
• An unsettled safety group.
• A completely rebuilt specialist operation.
• An early Week 6 bye.
• Nine road games.
• One of the league’s more difficult opponent slates.
• Competing against Buffalo and New England in the AFC East.

Final forecast: 7-10, fourth in the AFC East and outside the playoffs.

Miami should be stronger at the line of scrimmage and more physically difficult to play than it was under its previous roster construction. Achane, Brewer, Sieler, Grant and Brooks provide a credible foundation.

The season’s defining question is whether Willis can become more than an intriguing athlete in a controlled offense. If he succeeds, the Dolphins could remain in the wild-card race into December. If he does not, Miami will likely spend 2026 developing its extensive rookie class and evaluating whether it must return to the quarterback market in 2027.