NFL
Season Outlook:
Bleak. The Dolphins have made it clear that winning isn’t a priority in 2026. After a 7-10 season in which it missed the playoffs for a second straight year, Miami cleaned house. Mike McDaniel was fired after a 35-33 mark over four seasons as head coach and replaced by first-time head coach Jeff Hafley. He and new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan are building from the ground up.
What's Changed:
Beyond the head coach, Miami’s full rebuild began at quarterback. Tua Tagovailoa was released and replaced by Malik Willis on a three-year, $67.5 million deal. Tyreek Hill was let go in February, and Jaylen Waddle was traded to Denver for a 2026 first-round selection. Miami also traded safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Jets and lost pass rusher Bradley Chubb to Buffalo in free agency. The Dolphins also added wideout Tutu Atwell, linebackers Josh Uche, David Ojabo, and Willie Gay, along with 11 draft picks.
Bigger Role & Sophomore Breakout:
Malik Washington is now the No. 1 wide receiver. Three rookie receivers will push for targets behind him, but Washington is clearly the guy in new offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik's system. He'll need to improve on his 6.9 yards-per-catch average, among the lowest in the league for receivers with at least 40 catches. First-round defensive tackle Kenneth Grant played all 17 games as a rookie and now enters a Hafley-run defense built to lean on his interior push. If his snap count and disruption climb in year two, Miami's front seven has a foundation.
Key Question:
What chance does Malik Willis have? He gets his starting opportunity, but it won't come with many privileges. The talent around him is thin beyond De'Von Achane in the backfield. He can make plays with his legs, but the lack of receivers is daunting. No matter how well he does under the circumstances, it's hard to imagine he's a long-term solution.
Prediction:
The Dolphins’ eagerness to prove themselves will lead to more success than their talent suggests. Miami doesn’t embarrass itself, but finishes at 3-14. Achane's role shrinks relative to the McDaniel era as the offense leans elsewhere. Willis does the job but plays under constant pressure. The defense will be easy to move the ball on, especially the secondary. Ultimately, the franchise gets what it wants: a top-two pick in next year's draft.
X-Factor:
Chop Robinson can bring some respectability to the defense. He had six sacks as a rookie, then injuries and a scheme change dropped him to four last season. His elite speed and athleticism can cause chaos in opposing backfields. Hafley, a former defensive coordinator in Green Bay, should make sure he gets every chance to use it.
Final Scorecard:
- Offense: 4
- Defense: 5
- Coaching: 5
- X-Factor Upside: 6
- Schedule Strength: 3