Dolphins Roster is here, some tinkering, but this is the bulk of the 2026 team
The Miami Dolphins have set their initial 53-man roster, and if there is one thing we learned during cutdown weekend, it’s that this new regime isn’t afraid to make some unexpected decisions. There were trades, surprise cuts and a few young players who earned opportunities that weren’t necessarily expected when training camp began. And while this roster is far from a finished product, we now have a much clearer picture of what Miami wants to build.
It’s clear that it would take something short of a miracle to have a high win total this year, but a successful season can still be had with development of all these young players and a respect number of victories given cirucmstances.
But that won’t be known for a while. The good news is in less than two weeks we’ll get the first real indication against the Vergas Raiders.
Cut Down Brought Some Shockers
One of the biggest moves came at quarterback. Miami traded Quinn Ewers to Jacksonville for a sixth-round pick before sending a sixth to Green Bay for Kyle McCord. McCord now joins Malik Willis in the quarterback room. He isn’t the athlete Willis is, but he brings better size and a strong arm after an impressive preseason.
The biggest surprise on offense may have been running back Jarquez Hunter. Miami had recently acquired Hunter in the Tutu Atwell trade, and his physical running and pass protection made him an intriguing roster candidate. Instead, the Dolphins elected to move forward with De’Von Achane, Ollie Gordon II, Jaylen Wright and fullback D.J. Herman.
On defense, one of the best stories of the preseason became official: Keith Cooper Jr. made the team.
Cooper repeatedly flashed on film, and Miami chose his upside over veteran Matthew Butler. With Kenneth Grant beginning the season on injured reserve, Cooper could get an immediate opportunity in a defensive line group that will initially have only four active players.
At linebacker, the release of Tyrel Dodson was another surprise. But, given Dodson isn’t suited to be a SAM backer, it made sense that Gay Jr. was kept. He is perfect for the role, and with Trey Moore set to miss a sizable period of time, positional value made Gay Jr. the right choice. This made the Dodson vs. Gay Jr. choice clear as needs may have spurred the decision.
Grant and Trey Moore can return from IR after the required absence, while cornerbacks Storm Duck and Darrell Baker Jr. begin the season on PUP. Those absences make an already questionable secondary one of Miami’s biggest early-season concerns. The Dolphins currently have only five active cornerbacks, and their ability to hold up may depend heavily on the pass rush until reinforcements arrive.
Phins WILL Try to Win, but They are Focused on Long Term Goals More
It isn’t finished, and you can bet with the best pay per head that it isn’t particularly deep everywhere. Miami appears to be prioritizing younger players and determining who can become part of the franchise’s future rather than filling every hole with a veteran stopgap.
For 2026, success will likely depend on several things breaking Miami’s way: Willis staying healthy, the running game carrying the offense, the young receivers developing, the pass rush protecting a thin secondary and injured players returning on schedule.
There are weaknesses. There are also intriguing young pieces.
Now the evaluations stop being about preseason potential.
Week 1 is coming, and we’re about to find out which of these players can actually play.
Everything I read has us last, but picking first in next years draft. It is very hard to hope to lose, but three or four wins is better than seven or eight. If Willis (or McCord or Gronowski) works out, we can trade our #1 pick for multiple picks. If those QBs don’t work out, we get our choice of the 2027 class.
I don’t think so… now I think we could if some key players get injured: Achane, Willis, Paul, Proctor, Brewer….but I don’t think we’ll be garbage if some things happen: being disciplined, avoiding many key injuries. The core of it is how valuable 1st Down runs are (running in general) to 2nd down PA game which is the core of this cycle’s success on offense. And we can do that very well… now defense needs to stop the run…play respectable pass coverage. It’s a tough schedule…but I am currently think 5-7 wins… but obviously that isn’t a lock… Week 1 will tell me a ton. But I don’t think we are doooomedd… but we could be. I’d hold out any judgement for a few games and hold onto the reality we could avoid a toilet bowl season.
Everything I read has us last, but picking first in next years draft. It is very hard to hope to lose, but three or four wins is better than seven or eight.
If Willis (or McCord or Gronowski) works out, we can trade our #1 pick for multiple picks. If those QBs don’t work out, we get our choice of the 2027 class.
I don’t think so… now I think we could if some key players get injured: Achane, Willis, Paul, Proctor, Brewer….but I don’t think we’ll be garbage if some things happen: being disciplined, avoiding many key injuries. The core of it is how valuable 1st Down runs are (running in general) to 2nd down PA game which is the core of this cycle’s success on offense. And we can do that very well… now defense needs to stop the run…play respectable pass coverage. It’s a tough schedule…but I am currently think 5-7 wins… but obviously that isn’t a lock… Week 1 will tell me a ton. But I don’t think we are doooomedd… but we could be. I’d hold out any judgement for a few games and hold onto the reality we could avoid a toilet bowl season.