Dolphins rip it down
Miami tore up its roster and direction in free agency — firing HC Mike McDaniel, releasing QB Tua Tagovailoa (creating roughly $99M in dead money), and pivoting to a youth rebuild that began in the first wave of March moves. The seismic reset has analysts calling the Dolphins a full rebuild entering the 2026 draft cycle. (espn.com) (clutchpoints.com)
Jon‑Eric Sullivan and Jeff Hafley were formally introduced as Miami’s new general manager and head coach on Jan. 22, 2026 at the team’s Baptist Health Training Complex. (miamidolphins.com) (miamidolphins.com) The Tagovailoa move carries a $99.2 million total dead‑cap charge and was structured as a post‑June 1 designation that splits the hit roughly $67.4 million in 2026 and $31.8 million in 2027. (USA Today; ProFootballNetwork) (usatoday.com) After that accounting, league trackers and insiders say Miami will carry roughly $175 million in dead‑cap obligations for 2026, while some outlets that include the Waddle trade put the figure as high as about $182 million. (ESPN; CBS Sports) (espn.com) The front office cleared veteran payroll early: All‑Pro WR Tyreek Hill was released Feb. 16, 2026, and quarterback Malik Willis agreed to a three‑year, $67.5 million contract (including about $45 million guaranteed) to join Miami’s revamped QB room. (ESPN; CBS Sports) (espn.com) A March 17 trade sent Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos and returned multiple picks, leaving Miami with first‑round slots at No. 11 and No. 30 plus an extra pick at No. 43 among their top 2026 assets. (ESPN) (espn.com) Market and model signals show limited near‑term expectations: sportsbooks opened Miami’s 2026 season win total at 4.5, and at least one analytics projection put Miami’s forecasted wins as low as 3.5 for the coming year. (BetMGM; Heavy/Sports column citing Mike Clay) (sports.betmgm.com) Mock‑draft simulators run after the free‑agency wave — including a PFF‑based seven‑round mock published by ClutchPoints — have Miami prioritizing edge rushers, corners and pass‑catchers with their 2026 haul. (ClutchPoints/PFF) (clutchpoints.com)
