Dolphins Spiral Continues: A Season of Setbacks and a Future Full of Questions
The Miami Dolphins are sitting at 6-9 with two games left on the schedule, but the playoff picture isn’t even a speck in the distance anymore. What’s left for Miami is pride, evaluation, and a whole lot of soul-searching before the 2026 season kicks off.
This year hasn’t just been disappointing-it’s been a full-system breakdown. From the front office to the field, the Dolphins have struggled to find consistency, leadership, and, frankly, answers.
The organization has already started making moves. General manager Chris Grier is out.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been benched. And while head coach Mike McDaniel hasn’t been officially shown the door, the heat around his job security is undeniable.
Miami is a franchise in flux, and the offseason promises to bring sweeping changes-from the executive suite to the depth chart.
Cap Crunch Coming
The Dolphins aren’t just facing philosophical questions-they’re staring down a financial one, too. As it stands, Miami is projected to be $11.5 million over the 2026 salary cap.
And that’s before they even make a decision on Tagovailoa, whose contract situation could saddle the team with significant dead money if they decide to move on from the former fifth-overall pick. Managing the cap while reshaping the roster will be a delicate balancing act for whoever takes over the front office.
AFC North: Miami’s Kryptonite
If there was one division that completely had Miami’s number this year, it was the AFC North. Four games, four losses-all by double digits.
The Dolphins were outclassed and outplayed at every turn. It started in Week 7 with a 31-6 drubbing by the Browns.
Then came a 28-6 loss to the Ravens in Week 9. The Steelers delivered a 28-25 gut punch in Week 15 that officially knocked Miami out of playoff contention.
And just when it seemed like things couldn’t get worse, the Bengals rolled into town and dropped 45 points in a blowout win.
That’s not just a losing streak-it’s a statement. The AFC North dominated Miami in every phase of the game, exposing a team that once led the league in scoring just two seasons ago.
From Offensive Juggernaut to Offensive Struggle
Back in 2023, Miami’s offense was electric-fast, creative, and nearly unstoppable. Fast forward to 2025, and it’s a different story entirely.
The Dolphins have fallen to 22nd in the league in scoring, managing just 317 points through 16 weeks. Their point differential sits at -52, a stark contrast to the high-flying unit fans were used to seeing not long ago.
This isn’t just about play-calling or quarterback play-it’s about a team that’s lost its identity. Injuries, inconsistent execution, and questionable personnel decisions have all played a role in the decline. And with the offense sputtering, the defense hasn’t been able to carry the weight.
Draft Position: A Silver Lining?
If there’s one upside to this downward spiral, it’s draft position. After the Week 16 loss to Cincinnati, the Dolphins are now sitting at No. 10 in the projected 2026 NFL Draft order.
With two games left-home against the Buccaneers and a road trip to face the Patriots-there’s still room for movement. But barring a late-season surge, Miami looks locked into a top-10 pick.
That could be a valuable asset in a pivotal offseason.
Here’s a look at the current top of the draft board through Sunday of Week 16:
- New York Giants (2-13)
- Las Vegas Raiders (2-13)
- Cleveland Browns (3-12)
- New York Jets (3-12)
- Arizona Cardinals (3-12)
- Tennessee Titans (3-12)
- Washington Commanders (4-11)
- New Orleans Saints (5-10)
- Cincinnati Bengals (5-10)
- Miami Dolphins (6-9)
The Dolphins are in a cluster of teams that have underperformed in 2025, and the final two weeks will determine how high they climb-or fall-on draft day. But make no mistake: this pick will carry weight. Whether it’s used to land a franchise cornerstone or leveraged in a trade, the Dolphins can’t afford to miss.
Looking Ahead
The Dolphins have two games left to close out this forgettable season. Sunday’s matchup against Tampa Bay offers a chance to show some fight at home, while the season finale in New England could be one last gut check before the curtain falls.
But the real story is what comes after. A new GM, possible coaching changes, a quarterback decision, and a cap reset-all on the table.
The Dolphins entered 2025 with playoff expectations. They’ll end it with far more questions than answers.
The rebuild is already underway. Now it’s about making the right moves to ensure it leads somewhere better.