Miami Dolphins
Getty
The Dolphins received pushback for a free agent decision
The Miami Dolphins took a drastic approach to free agency. The team completely revamped their roster as they cut ties with most of their highest-paid players, leaving the team’s salary cap primarily being used on players who will not be on the roster during the 2026 season. Miami’s decision was done with the goal of improving their salary cap situation during the 2027 season, which they did as they are projected to have the third-most salary cap space in 2027.
Aside from releasing or trading a large number of players, the Dolphins cut on their offseason spending. The team made only one signing which was worth $3 million or more, as a majority of the team’s additions were signed to veteran minimum contracts.
There was a notable exception, as the team signed free agent quarterbackMalik Willis to a three-year, $67 million contract. However, despite the team hoping to have found their future franchise quarterback, there has been some pushback on the move.
Miami Dolphins Get Pushback by NFL Executives
The Athletic’s Mike Sando spoke with NFL executives to obtain their opinion on all AFC teams. Unfortunately for Dolphins fans, who may be hoping that the team’s front office is taking a smarter approach this offseason, other executives around the league do not seem to believe that is the case.
Regarding Willis’ signing, one executive told Sando, “They should not have signed Malik Willis. They should have taken the full Tua cap charge in one season. They should have gone with Quinn Ewers and just played out the season.”
Another executive told Sando, regarding Willis’ potential as a quarterback, “You should know enough about Willis to know many of his throws were flareouts and simple stuff. So, unless you plan on running an offense like that, what are you doing? And then I don’t think they got enough for (Jaylen) Waddle. They got the equivalent of the 25th pick in the draft. It should have been a lot more.”
Dolphins 2026 Outlook
Executives did not seem to believe in Miami’s chances of being competitive as one compared the team’s roster to their 2019 team.
Similarly to the Willis signing, during the 2019 offseason, the Dolphins traded a second-round pick for quarterback Josh Rosen, who the team hoped would be able to turn into a decent starter in Miami. Unfortunately, Rosen started only three games as former head coach Brian Flores replaced him with veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Fitzpatrick then played well enough to lead the Dolphins to a 5-11 record, which left them unable to draft quarterback Joe Burrow, despite Miami starting 0-7.
One executive believed that Miami’s issues stem from the infrastructure of the team as he told Sando, “The problem there is that they have an absentee owner and some really empowered people in the front office, including the president. If you’re the GM, that’s a tough situation.”
Despite being known for splash free agent signings, the Miami Dolphins have not won a playoff game since Stephen Ross bought the team.