As the Miami Dolphins dive into the 2026 offseason, one thing was crystal clear: Tyreek Hill wouldn't be making a return. His release on Monday marked the start of Jon-Eric Sullivan's efforts to reshape the roster and improve the team's cap situation. With Hill's departure, the Dolphins have room to maneuver, whether through free agency, the draft, or by giving current players a chance to step up.
The wide receiver position is now wide open, and with budget constraints, Head Coach Jeff Hafley might have to rely on the talent already on the roster. This presents a golden opportunity for players like Malik Washington to make their mark.
Last season, Washington had a chance to shine when Hill went down in Week 4, but he didn't quite seize the moment. Now, he's poised to take on a bigger role in the Dolphins' offense, likely stepping in as the number-two receiver as summer practices kick off.
Jaylen Waddle is set to return as the clear-cut number one receiver, but the rest of the receiving corps will be eager to catch the eye of OC Bobby Slowik and Hafley. One player to watch is Theo Wease, Jr.
He spent much of last season inactive or on the practice squad but got some late reps with quarterback Quinn Ewers. In 2026, expect his involvement to increase.
Tahj Washington, a seventh-round pick from 2024, was mostly overlooked last year. When the Dolphins needed help at WR, they turned to Cedrick Wilson, Jr. Now, with Wilson and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine also released, the door is open for new faces.
The Dolphins' receiving room is set for a transformation in 2026. Both Washingtons and Wease will compete with Terrace Marshall Jr., a recent addition by Sullivan just before Hill's release.
There's no rush for Miami to finalize decisions. The free agent market offers plenty of affordable options, and the upcoming NFL Draft provides further opportunities to bolster the roster. The stage is set for an intriguing offseason as the Dolphins look to redefine their offensive lineup.