The Miami Dolphins are navigating a pivotal offseason, with their quarterback situation front and center. After parting ways with head coach Mike McDaniel, the Dolphins brought in Jeff Hafley and made bold moves by releasing Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb. This signals a shift from a "run it back" mentality to a fresh start.
All eyes are now on Tua Tagovailoa. Despite inking a four-year, $212.4 million deal not too long ago, the buzz around the league suggests Miami might be looking to trade him. The new leadership seems eager to resolve this quickly, given Tua's significant cap hit and the financial strain of cutting him.
This uncertainty around the quarterback position complicates other roster decisions. Investing in a receiving corps or building an offensive line tailored to a specific quarterback's style is risky if change is imminent. The goal is to free up cap space while keeping options open through key offseason periods.
Here are four strategic moves Miami should consider to gain cap flexibility and maintain roster adaptability:
- Trade Tua Tagovailoa Before June 1: If Hafley and the front office are committed to a new quarterback direction, trading Tua is crucial.
Releasing him isn't financially viable, and delaying a decision could weaken Miami's leverage in trade talks. An early trade would clarify offseason plans, stabilize the cap, and provide assets for rebuilding.
It also fosters transparency in the locker room, reducing uncertainty.
- Restructure Jaylen Waddle’s Contract: With Hill gone, Waddle becomes the cornerstone of Miami’s offense.
Restructuring his contract can offer immediate cap relief without sacrificing talent. Whether Miami drafts a young quarterback or opts for a veteran, Waddle's presence is vital.
He offers a reliable target for rookies and a safety valve for experienced quarterbacks. However, restructuring only makes sense if Waddle is seen as a long-term core piece.
- Restructure Zach Sieler’s Contract: Maintaining stability on defense is crucial, especially during a rebuild.
Sieler’s consistent interior play supports linebackers and strengthens the secondary. Restructuring his deal provides cap relief while preserving a key defensive component, allowing Hafley to build on a stable foundation.
- Evaluate Minkah Fitzpatrick’s Contract: Fitzpatrick's contract is a prime candidate for scrutiny.
Exploring the trade market could yield cap relief and draft capital. If the market doesn’t meet Miami’s demands, restructuring is the fallback to manage the 2026 cap hit.
The priority is to leverage Fitzpatrick’s value while stabilizing the roster.
In essence, Miami's approach needs to be about sequencing and damage control. Addressing the biggest contract questions first prevents prolonged internal negotiations. Transforming significant cap hits into flexible assets without losing key players is vital.
On defense, keeping the core strong avoids a patchwork scheme, preventing a reset from becoming a collapse. Up front, Miami needs certainty-either through new terms or reliable alternatives-to build a solid line for the season. By following this plan, the Dolphins can regain leverage and start making strategic choices.
Recent updates indicate Miami might be considering a fresh start at quarterback, with names like Quinn Ewers and Malik Willis circulating. This underscores their preparation for various scenarios.
Ultimately, the Dolphins must define their identity this offseason. If Hafley’s regime opts for a full reset, decisive action on the quarterback front is necessary.
Conversely, if they choose to retain Tua, they must retool the receiving corps and bolster the offensive line. The cuts of Hill and Chubb were just the beginning; precise and deliberate steps are needed for a successful 2026.