For years, the Miami Dolphins have been synonymous with speed-blazing fast receivers and electrifying plays that left defenses scrambling. But as the 2025 season painfully revealed, speed without a solid foundation can crumble under pressure. The Dolphins learned this the hard way, and now, in the 2026 offseason, they're making moves that go beyond mere tweaks; they’re redefining their identity, starting from the ground up.
The 2025 season was a turning point. A 7-10 finish marked the end of an era, with a rough 1-6 start setting a grim tone.
Despite a mid-season rally, a Week 15 loss to the Steelers dashed any playoff hopes for the second consecutive year. This led to swift changes: long-time GM Chris Grier was let go in October, followed by head coach Mike McDaniel at the season's end.
Injuries plagued Tyreek Hill, leading to his release, and Tua Tagovailoa was benched in favor of Quinn Ewers by Week 16. What was once a dynamic offensive force became a team in transition.
Enter new GM Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley, who are steering Miami towards a future built on youth, physicality, and sustainability. The mission is clear: build a tougher, more resilient team.
The quarterback position is always a hot topic, especially with the move away from Tagovailoa. But the real issue lies in the trenches, particularly the interior offensive line.
Pressure up the middle can derail any offense, turning promising drives into chaos. In 2025, Miami's interior line was a revolving door of short-term contracts and unproven talent struggling to hold the line.
Without solid protection, even the most talented quarterback will struggle.
Financially, the Dolphins are in a transitional phase. Shedding major contracts, including those of Hill and Bradley Chubb, left them with a hefty $74 million in dead money and around $3 million in cap space. This isn’t the year for big spending; it’s about strategic, disciplined investments.
The Dolphins chose not to use the franchise tag, signaling a shift away from retaining high-priced talent. Instead, they’re focusing on clearing out bloated contracts to position themselves for flexibility in 2027 and seeking value in the second wave of free agency. Mistakes aren’t an option in 2026; they need foundational pieces.
Enter Tyler Linderbaum. As a top free agent in 2026, Linderbaum isn’t just a great center; he’s the gold standard.
With multiple Pro Bowl appearances and unmatched athleticism and strength, he embodies what Miami desperately needs: an anchor. Signing Linderbaum would immediately stabilize their offensive line.
For too long, Miami’s interior line has been a patchwork of temporary solutions. Players like Jonah Savaiinaea have shown potential but lack the consistency needed to lead. Linderbaum changes that dynamic instantly.
Centers do more than block; they communicate, set protections, and identify blitzes. Linderbaum’s leadership would be invaluable, providing a decade-long solution at a critical position.
Coach Hafley envisions a Miami team built on toughness and balance, which requires a legitimate run game. Linderbaum, considered the best run-blocking center in football, can transform an offense that has overly relied on speed. With him anchoring the middle, the ground game becomes credible, play-action becomes effective, and short-yardage situations become manageable.
Whatever Miami decides at quarterback, success will hinge on interior protection. Young quarterbacks, in particular, struggle when faced with collapsing pockets. A dominant center like Linderbaum can mitigate those risks.
Linderbaum’s footwork and leverage allow him to neutralize elite defensive tackles, providing the predictability Miami needs. He won’t make headlines in fantasy drafts, but championship teams are built in the trenches, not just with flashy skill players.
Miami’s 2025 struggles highlighted the dangers of neglecting structure. The 2026 offseason is about righting those wrongs. Linderbaum fits the new timeline, scheme, and identity.
The Dolphins are moving away from a finesse-focused approach, accepting short-term pain for long-term gain. Signing Tyler Linderbaum would mark a significant commitment to toughness, structure, and patience.
Miami can continue chasing speed, or it can lay a solid foundation and build something lasting. The choice is clear: it’s time to anchor down and embrace the reset.