The Miami Dolphins are making waves in the 2026 NFL free agency period, diving headfirst into a strategic rebuild under new head coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan. Despite being tight on salary cap space, the Dolphins are meticulously targeting players who offer value and fit their long-term vision.
With free agency still in its early stages, let's break down the current winners and losers for the Dolphins.
Winner: Malik Willis, Quarterback
Malik Willis, originally a 2022 third-round pick by the Tennessee Titans, has had a bumpy start to his NFL career. After a trade to the Green Bay Packers in 2024, he saw limited action but displayed glimpses of the talent that made him a sought-after draft pick.
Now in Miami, Willis is poised to take the reins as the starting quarterback for the 2026 season. With the Dolphins in rebuild mode, Willis has a two-year window to prove himself as the franchise quarterback, with less pressure to deliver immediate results.
Defensive Additions: A Focus on Versatility
The Dolphins have prioritized bolstering their defense, particularly targeting players with special teams experience. New additions like safety Zayne Anderson, cornerbacks Alex Austin, Darrell Baker, and Lonnie Johnson, along with defensive lineman Robert Beal, Jr., all bring depth and versatility to the roster. This strategy highlights Miami's commitment to building a well-rounded team that can compete on multiple fronts.
Winner: Jon-Eric Sullivan, General Manager
Taking the helm as the new GM, Jon-Eric Sullivan has wasted no time in reshaping the Dolphins. While Malik Willis stands out as a notable acquisition, Sullivan's approach has been marked by smart, calculated moves.
By making trades and salary cap adjustments, he's steering the team towards a younger, more financially stable future. Sullivan's clear vision and execution are already making an impact.
Loser: Dolphins' AFC East Division Title Odds
The odds aren't in Miami's favor when it comes to clinching the AFC East title. According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the Dolphins' chances have dwindled, now sitting at +2700, a drop from +2200 earlier in the week. The New York Jets have leapfrogged Miami, and with the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills leading the division, the path to the title looks challenging.
Loser: Tua Tagovailoa Era in Miami
The Tua Tagovailoa era in Miami has come to a bittersweet end. Drafted fifth overall in 2020, Tagovailoa's journey was marked by highs and lows.
He led the league in passing yards in 2023, showcasing Miami's offensive prowess, but injuries and other challenges ultimately led to his benching in favor of rookie Quinn Ewers in 2025. As the Dolphins move forward, they're absorbing $99 million in dead money, signaling the close of a chapter that promised much but delivered inconsistently.
The Dolphins are clearly in a transformative phase, with a focus on building a foundation for future success. As the free agency period unfolds, it will be intriguing to see how these moves shape the team's trajectory in the coming seasons.