The 2026 Miami Dolphins are projected to be bad. Some projections have them being really bad – like the 2007 Dolphins’ 1-15 season. USA Today’s Nate Davis projects them to be worse than that year, with a 1-16 prediction for this year.
The Palm Beach Post’s Joe Schad thinks there are at least “10 reasons for optimism” for Dolphins fans watching this season. Included his list is Miami’s salary cap situation in 2027. After eating over $180 million in dead money this year, Miami is projected to be among
the teams with the most cap space next season – even as they have another $57 million in cap space.
Schad says of Miami’s 2027 cap situation:
The Dolphins are slated to have $106,991,735 in cap space in 2027, according to Spotrac. This is third in the NFL. They will not be spending it all in one place. Sullivan will likely follow the Packers’ Way, which means picking free agents selectively, and avoiding dramatic overpays. But he can target a few key free agents coming off their rookie contracts. Those players could be in the 26-28 age range. And he can continue to strategize about how and when to use the money to extend some of his own top players.
You can check out the rest of that story here, and the rest of the day’s round-up below.
Why Miami Dolphins fans have reasons for optimism – Joe Schad, The Palm Beach Post
You’re going to hear an awful lot about how awful the Miami Dolphins are expected to be this season.
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Dolphins roster moves
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Dolphins newcomers relish the ‘great opportunity’ with new team – C. Isaiah Smalls, Miami Herald
Nobody wants to be discarded. It can be difficult. Humiliating. Mournful, even.
How the Dolphins Could Unlock the Upside of Waiver-Wire Addition Justin Joly – Tyler Carmona, Miami Dolphins on SI
The Miami Dolphins are hoping they landed in gem of former Denver Broncos fifth-round pick Justin Joly
Dolphins vs. Raiders news and preview
What Vegas Going With Cousins Means for Dolphins in Season Opener (And Their History Against Him) – Jake Gibson, Miami Dolphins on SI
The Miami Dolphins won’t be facing top overall pick (and former Miami high school star) Fernando Mendoza in Week 1
Dolphins quarterbacks
How new Dolphins QB Kyle McCord is quickly catching up thanks to starter Malik Willis – David Furones, South Florida Sun Sentinel
New Miami Dolphins quarterback Kyle McCord is experiencing the whirlwind of settling in with one NFL team, finding success in the preseason and then getting shipped to a new squad.
Here’s the word on new Dolphins QB Cook, and his thoughts. And Proctor update – Barry Jackson, Miami Herald
New Dolphins quarterback Brady Cook could sit at his locker in peace on Wednesday because reporters opted to swarm Kyle McCord instead.
What will Dolphins management look for in evaluating QB Malik Willis this season? – David Furones, South Florida Sun Sentinel
One highly important task the Miami Dolphins have for the 2026 season is evaluating what they have in quarterback Malik Willis ahead of the 2027 offseason.
Dolphins rookies
Dolphins player changes positions, beats odds to make team. And news from Hafley – Barry Jackson, Miami Herald
The most improbable player to win a spot on the Miami’s 53 man roster didn’t merely defy the odds by sticking as an undrafted rookie, the only one of more than a dozen Dolphins to do that.
Dolphins’ DJ Herman made the team as undrafted rookie tryout player who changed positions – David Furones, South Florida Sun Sentinel
When Miami Dolphins fullback DJ Herman made the team’s initial 53-man roster as an undrafted rookie Sunday, he thought he was already in the clear.
How the Dolphins 2026 Draft Class Already Made History (And Whether It Could Do It Again) – Alain Poupart, Miami Dolphins on SI
The Miami Dolphins have 11 of their 13 rookie draft picks on their active roster
How a Minor Change Will Be a Very Big Deal for Dolphins Rookie Michael Taaffe – Alain Poupart, Miami Dolphins on SI
The former University of Texas standout is heading into his first NFL season with the Miami Dolphins
Miami Dolphins 2026 bold predictions: Chris Bell leading receiver – Joe Schad, The Palm Beach Post
The Miami Dolphins will open their 2026 season at the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, Sept. 13, at 4 p.m. Most gambling institutions project the Dolphins to finish between 3-14 and 5-12 and they are expected to miss the NFL’s postseason for a third straight season.
Dolphins GM feels rookie Kadyn Proctor is adjusting to guard in NFL; Miami to face QB Kirk Cousins in opener – David Furones, South Florida Sun Sentinel
The early perception of new Miami Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan’s success will be highly tied to the success of his first draft pick, rookie offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor.
Dolphins leadership
Do Dolphins have the right trio at GM, coach and QB? – Chris Perkins, South Florida Sun Sentinel
It’s way too early to tell whether the Miami Dolphins’ rebuild, which features one of the most thorough one-year housecleanings in NFL history, will succeed.
Dolphins future
How quickly can Dolphins get to competing with Bills, Patriots in AFC East? – David Furones, South Florida Sun Sentinel
The Miami Dolphins have revamped the organization from the general manager on down in 2026.
ICYMI – The Phinsider News and Update
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Doubt in Dolphins; Can Miami prove everyone wrong? – Marek Brave, The Phinsider
NFL Network reporters all pick Raiders to beat Dolphins in Week One.
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