The Miami Dolphins head into 2026 with a schedule that asks plenty of them right away, and a roster that will need both veteran steadiness and young breakout seasons if things are going to swing their way.
A few names stand out as the ones most likely to shape how this year goes, especially with Jeff Hafley in his first season. Miami’s ceiling will depend on more than just the established pieces; it’s the next wave of contributors who could decide whether this turns into a surprise run.
At quarterback, Malik Willis is the headline addition to watch. The dual-threat passer brings a mix of explosive running ability and the kind of arm talent that can change an offense quickly. If he clicks, he gives Miami a different kind of weapon.
Malik Washington is another player worth tracking. He has already handled return duties for the Dolphins, and while his frame limits what he can be as a classic receiver, his quickness and toughness make him the sort of useful role player every team leans on.
On defense, Miami has two 2025 fifth-round picks who could matter more than their draft slots suggest. Jason Marshall Jr. has flashed in coverage and as a tackler, while Dante Trader Jr. has shown the physical edge and occasional big moments that can make a safety stand out.
Jaylen Wright rounds out the group. Now a fourth-year pro, he has not yet found consistent footing, but if he settles in during 2026, he could become a dependable RB2 behind De'Von Achane.
The Dolphins’ preseason starts Aug. 14 at Washington at 7 p.m., followed by home games against the Giants on Aug. 22 at 4 p.m. and the Falcons on Aug. 28 at 7 p.m.
The regular season opens Sept. 13 at the Raiders at 4:25 p.m. Miami then goes to the 49ers on Sept. 20 at 4:25 p.m. before returning home for the Chiefs on Sept. 27 at 1 p.m.
October brings a trip to Minnesota on Oct. 4 at 4:05 p.m. and a home game against Cincinnati on Oct. 11 at 1 p.m., then a visit to the Jets on Oct. 25 at 1 p.m.
November features the Patriots at home on Nov. 1 at 4:25 p.m., the Lions at home on Nov. 8 at 1 p.m., a trip to Indianapolis on Nov. 15 at 1 p.m., a road game at Buffalo on Nov. 22 at 1 p.m., and a home meeting with the Jets on Nov. 29 at 1 p.m.
December starts at Denver on Dec. 6 at 4 p.m., then brings Chicago to Miami on Dec. 13 at 1 p.m., a trip to Green Bay on Dec. 20 at 1 p.m., and the Chargers at home on Dec. 27 at 1 p.m.
The season closes with Buffalo visiting on Jan. 3 at 1 p.m., followed by a final road game at New England on Jan. 9 or 10 with the time still to be determined.
In Other News...
ESPN Just Backed The Dolphins Reset In A Way Fans Wont Expect
The Dolphins spent the 2026 offseason acting like a team that was willing to take a hard look at its own timeline and start over. Miami reshaped the roster in a major way, added Malik Willis at quarterback, and turned to the draft to help rebuild the receiver room with Chris Bell, Caleb Douglas and Kevin Coleman Jr. all brought in as part of the effort to add depth and flexibility on offense.
ESPNs offseason review reflected that direction, giving Miami an A- and framing the operation as a full reset rather than a quick patch job. The encouraging part for Dolphins fans is that the plan does not stop with the moves already made, since the organization appears to be setting itself up to keep improving from here, with more room to maneuver down the road than many teams in this situation usually have. [Read more 🡒]
Tyreek Hills Next Chapter Is Already Taking Shape Without Miami
Tyreek Hills next move is still taking shape, but it is no longer tied to Miami. After the Dolphins moved on from the veteran receiver, the focus has shifted to his recovery and what his market might look like once he is ready to play again. At 32, Hill has been documenting the rehabilitation process from the knee injury that ended his previous season, keeping his name in the conversation even without a team attached.
A mini-documentary has offered a glimpse into that comeback, including a doctor check-up and a message that his progress is going in the right direction. If Hill does hit the open market for his next NFL chapter, several clubs have already been floated as possible fits, with Baltimore, Washington and Atlanta among the teams mentioned. For now, though, the only certainty is that Hills return to the field will draw plenty of attention wherever it lands. [Read more 🡒]
Dolphins Suddenly Have A Tight End Problem They Thought Was Solved
The Dolphins brought in Ben Sims to compete for a roster spot, adding another body to a tight end room that still needs sorting as camp approaches. Sims, who has spent time with the Packers and Vikings, is viewed mostly as a blocking tight end, and Miami is betting that his familiarity with the job can at least give the group a steady in-line option.
So far, though, Sims has not made a strong enough early impression during offseason work to lock anything down. Miami is still hopeful he can take a step once training camp starts, but if that doesn't happen, the team may not just stand pat and wait for the answer to arrive on its own. [Read more 🡒]