10 Vets that will help this 2026 team a ton…if they continue to improve
The Miami Dolphins may be entering 2026 with one of the league’s youngest rosters and plenty of outside skepticism, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the talent isn’t there. The difference between another disappointing season and a team laying the foundation for future success may come down to whether several key veteran players take meaningful steps forward.
There have a new system, new coaching, and new drive for competition, which is the perfect framework for these players to be their best version of themselves.
Not all of these players will step forward, but even if a handful do—especially a few critical ones–then the 2026 talent pool will be better than many are evaluating it as.
10 Key Veterans that Can Lift this Roster
Here are the 10 Dolphins whose development could reshape the season.
- 10. Dante Trader (S) – The quarterback of the secondary. In Jeff Hafley’s defense, the free safety isn’t just another defender—he’s responsible for communication, alignment and keeping everyone on the same page. If Trader proves he can be that field general, Miami’s defense becomes far more stable.
- 9. Jason Marshall Jr. (CB) – Marshall possesses ideal size, speed and physicality but struggled during his rookie season. Even becoming an average starting corner would dramatically strengthen a secondary that needs dependable boundary play.
- 8. Ollie Gordon II (RB) – Miami’s offense is expected to lean heavily on the running game. Gordon’s physical style gives the Dolphins something different, but his success depends on improved blocking up front. Better yards before contact could unlock his full potential.
- 7. Malik Washington (WR) – Second-year receivers often make major jumps. Washington already flashed toughness, route-running ability and dependable hands. If he becomes a reliable slot weapon, he could give the passing game much-needed consistency.
- 6. Quinn Ewers (QB) – Whether as a backup or developmental quarterback, Ewers fits the athletic profile Miami appears to value. His accuracy and decision-making could provide valuable insurance while pushing the quarterback room forward.
- 5. Chop Robinson (EDGE) – Robinson’s pass-rushing ability is evident, but becoming a complete three-down defender is the next step. If his improved size translates into stronger run defense, Miami’s front becomes significantly more dangerous.
- 4. Juju Brents (CB) – Health is the biggest question. When available, Brents has shown starting-caliber ability commensurate with his 2nd Round draft status. A healthy season would transform the talent level of Miami’s cornerback group.
- 3. Kenneth Grant (DT) – The first-round rookie is expected to anchor the middle of the defense. Continued conditioning and improved stamina could allow Grant to become the disruptive interior force Miami envisioned on draft night.
- 2. Jonah Savaiinaea (OL) – Perhaps no player has more pressure outside the quarterback. After an ugly rookie campaign, Miami needs him to see significant improvement. Simply becoming a dependable starter would stabilize the entire offensive line.
- 1. Malik Willis (QB) – Everything ultimately revolves around the quarterback. Willis doesn’t need to become an All-Pro, but he must efficiently manage the offense, capitalize on play-action opportunities and allow the running game to dictate tempo. If he does, Miami’s offense can remain competitive while the roster continues to develop.
Not all of these Players Will Improve & Some Key Ones Will Go a Long Way
If even half of these players improve, this roster will have more pop to it than many expect. But it’s more than the numbers, there are some key ones that carry much more weight.
Willis is the biggest key for obvious reasons. But I’d say Savaiinaea and Willis stepping forward would almost make it a win if they were the only ones. After them, Brents and Grant, who would alter the defense nearly as big as Willis and Savaiinaea on offense. If even those four shined everything after that would be gravy.
Problem is Brents is one of the least likely to step forward due to his long injury history.
Savaiinaea has a long climb to get to even average, but the good news is if he even plays at a solid level, it’s a huge win for him and the team. And if he just does that it could position him for a true breakout season in 2027.
If I were a betting man with the best pay per head, I’d say Willis, Ollie, Ewers, Trader, and Washington are the best bets to take a strong step forward.
Those that concern me, but have lower bar to make an impact:
- Grant concerns me with his talk of needing to drop weight after minicamp, especially when we saw Biggers and Phillips amazing physical shape. I still think at worst he’ll be functional.
- Savaiinaea to reach an impact player, but I see the path where he grows enough to tread water.
- Jason Marshall Jr. has Brents and Johnson surrounding, so he just needs to be a piece. Of course, should Brents go down, then the bar will rise.
The real concerns:
- Brents as I mentioned above due to health.
- Chop I think will be better, but all the talk was with him needing to learn and struggling with instincts. I think though he’ll be functional as a pass rusher at least. But he has the talent to be more than that.
The encouraging takeaway is that they all have the potential to take meaningful steps forward. But even if they do, it’s unlikely this year’s team will be instant contenders.
The real hope is if they improve in a bunch, it could easily prove the Phins are much closer than many national projections suggest… and set the franchise up for a very bright future.
Go Phins!!!