The Miami Dolphins enter the 2026 offseason with new head coach Jeff Hafley and new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan in charge.
The new brass in Miami has a vision for the team, and that future does not include Tua Tagovailoa. He's slated to be released, barring a surprising trade partner emerging, leaving a big hole at the quarterback position for the Dolphins.
It wouldn't be a surprise to call the QB spot in Miami their biggest need. However, for ESPN's Marcel Louis-Jacques, the Dolphins' biggest need isn't a quarterback. Instead, it's a key defensive position that needs major overhauling.
Dolphins' biggest need isn't QB, but Edge rusher
"Biggest need: Edge rusher," Louis-Jacques writes. "... With eight draft picks this year, including five in the first three rounds, the Dolphins are a good bet to add a pass rusher early."
An edge rusher being the top need is somewhat of a surprise. Considering the massive hole at quarterback once Tagovailoa is off the team, it's surprising that QB is not the top need.
But, with Quinn Ewers under contract for the next three years, and the abundance of veteran quarterback options as depth pieces this offseason, and late-round rookies, the Dolphins don't need to aggressively pursue a QB like they do a pass rusher.
Chop Robinson is the only pass rusher with significant NFL experience on the roster at the moment. Bradley Chubb was cut this offseason, leaving a notable hole in the pass rusher group in Miami.
More: Jordyn Brooks and Aaron Brewer expected to have extension talks with Dolphins
Instead of focusing on a quarterback in a weak free agent and draft class, the Dolphins are better off investing in a long-term pass rusher and focusing on the 2027 NFL Draft class for their long-term quarterback solution.
The Dolphins in 2026 are not likely to be a playoff contender. Even if they add someone like Kyler Murray, there are too many holes all across the roster to truly be competitive.
Instead of over-investing in a QB this offseason, the Dolphins are better off focusing on their other needs. And their next biggest need, according to Louis-Jacques, is a pass rusher.
Trey Hendrickson, Boye Mafe, Jaelan Phillips, Odafe Oweh, and many others are hitting free agency this offseason. It's a good time to need a veteran pass rusher, and for the Dolphins, they're sure to consider making an addition to a weaker group this offseason.
More Dolphins news: