The Miami Dolphins are entering the 2026 offseason in a state of transition - and that might be putting it lightly. With a roster stretched thin and salary cap constraints tightening the screws, new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan has his work cut out for him. There are needs across the board, and while some foundational pieces are in place, the Dolphins are clearly approaching this offseason with a rebuild mindset.
Let’s break down the five biggest positional needs Miami faces as they prepare for what looks like a reset year in 2026 - with an eye toward a more competitive window in 2027 and beyond.
1. Cornerback
Let’s start with the secondary, where Miami is light on proven talent. The current cornerback group under contract includes JuJu Brents, Jason Marshall Jr., and Storm Duck - a trio with potential, but not enough to feel confident heading into the season without reinforcements. The Dolphins likely need to add not just one, but two corners who can push for starting roles in 2026.
Whether that means dipping into free agency or using a high draft pick - possibly in the first or second round - Miami has to get this one right. There’s been some buzz about potentially bringing back Rasul Douglas, who had a solid 2025 campaign, or slot corner Kader Kohou. Either move would help stabilize the position, but the Dolphins still need to inject young, starting-caliber talent into the mix.
2. Defensive End / Edge Rusher
With Jeff Hafley now at the helm, expect Miami’s defensive identity to shift. Hafley leaned on a 4-3 or 4-2-5 look in Green Bay, a departure from the 3-4 system the Dolphins ran last season. While modern defenses are more fluid and scheme-versatile than ever, Hafley’s approach suggests the Dolphins will need more traditional hand-in-the-dirt defensive ends - guys who can win with power and length on the edge.
That likely means targeting players in the 6-foot-3 to 6-foot-6 range who can anchor the edge and generate pressure. Whether Bradley Chubb returns on a restructured deal remains to be seen, but regardless of what happens there, Miami needs to reload its pass rush. The Dolphins need guys who can win one-on-one and disrupt the quarterback - plain and simple.
3. Quarterback
Let’s be clear: quarterback is always the most important position on the field. And with the Dolphins expected to move on from Tua Tagovailoa, it becomes a glaring need. But the timing of finding the next franchise QB might not align with this offseason.
Right now, Quinn Ewers looks like the most likely starter for 2026, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s the long-term answer. Sullivan has made it clear - either explicitly or through his roster-building philosophy - that he wants to solidify the team around the quarterback before investing heavily in one. That could mean waiting until 2027 to make a big move.
In the meantime, Miami could look to add a developmental arm in the middle-to-late rounds of the draft, or bring in a low-cost veteran to compete with Ewers and Cam Miller. The Malik Willis idea has floated around, but only at the right price. For now, quarterback is a need - just not one they’re likely to solve overnight.
4. Big Wide Receiver / Tight End
Size matters - especially in the red zone and on third down. And when you look at Miami’s current receiving corps, it’s clear they’re missing a big-bodied target. Jaylen Waddle, Tyreek Hill, Malik Washington, and Tahj Washington all bring speed and explosiveness, but there’s a need for a physical presence who can win contested catches and provide a safety net for whichever quarterback ends up under center.
Tight end is also a question mark. Cole Turner and Jaylin Conyers are the only ones under contract for 2026, and while both have upside, neither has established himself as a top-tier threat. Re-signing Greg Dulcich could help, but expect Miami to use a draft pick - potentially in the first three rounds - on a big receiver or tight end who can fill that void.
5. Guard
The interior offensive line is another area that needs attention. James Daniels returning to full health would be a boost, and Jonah Savaiinaea will likely get a shot to bounce back in Year 2. But depth and power are still concerns.
Cole Strange could be a candidate to return, but even if he does, the Dolphins need to add another guard who can move bodies in the run game and protect the quarterback inside. Look for Miami to target a physical, road-grading guard - possibly around Round 3 of the draft.
And don’t be surprised if Sullivan turns over every stone looking for a hidden gem. He’ll need to.
The Bigger Picture
With a new GM, a new head coach, and a roster in flux, the Dolphins are clearly playing the long game. The 2026 season could be about laying the groundwork - building depth, establishing a new identity, and setting the table for a more aggressive push in 2027 and 2028.
There’s no sugarcoating it: Miami has holes to fill. But with smart drafting, strategic signings, and a clear plan in place, the Dolphins have a path forward. It’s just going to take patience - and a few big hits in the draft - to get there.