The Miami Dolphins are entering a pivotal offseason, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. With major decisions looming-starting at quarterback and extending to key veterans across the roster-the front office has its hands full. But while the headlines might center on Tua Tagovailoa’s future and the potential release of Tyreek Hill, there’s another intriguing storyline gaining traction: the possibility of wide receiver Deebo Samuel landing in Miami.
Let’s unpack what’s happening in South Florida.
Cap Crunch and Roster Reshuffling
First, the reality check: Miami needs to trim costs. That’s not a maybe-it’s a must.
The team is reportedly weighing the release or restructuring of several high-profile contracts, including safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and edge rusher Bradley Chubb. And with Tyreek Hill expected to be released, the Dolphins are staring at a wide receiver room that suddenly feels a little lighter on firepower.
But that doesn’t mean Miami will stay quiet in free agency. In fact, the Dolphins are already being linked to quarterback Malik Willis, a player who has strong ties to both head coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan. If that connection turns into a signing, the Dolphins will need to surround him with weapons-and that’s where Deebo Samuel enters the picture.
Deebo and the Dolphins: A Logical Fit
Samuel, who recently became a free agent after his contract with the 49ers voided on February 12, is being viewed by many as a top target for Miami. One reason?
The connection to newly promoted offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik. Slowik and Samuel worked together during their time in San Francisco, most notably during Samuel’s breakout All-Pro season in 2021.
That year, Samuel posted 1,770 yards from scrimmage, including 1,405 receiving yards, and earned the third-highest PFF grade (90.2) among all wideouts.
That familiarity could be huge. Slowik knows how to get the most out of Samuel’s unique skill set-his ability to line up all over the field, his toughness after the catch, and his knack for turning short throws into big gains. It’s the kind of versatility that could help offset the expected loss of Hill and give the Dolphins’ offense a much-needed spark.
What’s Left in the Tank?
Now, let’s talk age. Samuel just turned 30 in January, which naturally raises some eyebrows when you’re talking about handing out a deal that could approach $16 million annually.
But here’s the thing-he’s still producing. In his lone season with the Washington Commanders, Samuel averaged 6.5 yards after the catch, second-best among receivers with at least 99 targets.
That’s elite territory, and it’s exactly the kind of stat that matters for a team like Miami, which ranked below league average in YAC last season.
Even if Samuel’s raw receiving totals haven’t matched his 2021 peak-he hasn’t cracked 900 yards in any season since-he did haul in 72 receptions last year, his highest mark since that All-Pro campaign. That suggests he’s still a reliable option, especially in the right system.
Building Around a New QB?
If the Dolphins do land Malik Willis, pairing him with a veteran like Samuel could be a smart move. Willis is still developing, and surrounding him with players who understand the nuances of NFL defenses and can create yards after the catch would go a long way. Add in Jaylen Waddle and potentially a high-upside rookie receiver from the draft, and suddenly Miami’s wideout room starts to look like a strength again.
Malik Washington, a young receiver with promise, would be better suited as a WR4 or WR5 in that scenario-giving him time to develop without being thrust into a major role too early. That kind of depth could be critical as the Dolphins look to stay competitive in a loaded AFC.
The Bottom Line
There’s no question the Dolphins are facing tough financial decisions this offseason. But thanks to a surprisingly generous 2026 salary cap bump, they may have more flexibility than expected. That opens the door for a calculated move like signing Deebo Samuel-not just for what he brings on the field, but for how he fits into the broader vision of this offense under Bobby Slowik.
If Miami can land Willis, bring in Samuel, and hit on a wide receiver in April’s draft, this offense could be back to turning heads by Week 1. It’s a big “if,” but if it happens, don’t be surprised if the Dolphins’ receiving corps becomes one of the most dynamic units in the league-even in a post-Tyreek Hill world.