The Miami Dolphins’ 2026 season marks the first in a rebuild that saw the franchise torn down to the studs, with moves to add younger players and reset the salary cap. Through the first three weeks of the season, the Dolphins have kept tinkering with the roster, both by targeting free agents to add depth and by adjusting players’ snap counts. Miami is trying to find the right combination of players on the field who give them the best chance to end their 0-3 start to the year.
Against the Kansas City
Chiefs, Miami made a major change to its defensive secondary. Head coach Jeff Hafley has described the safety trio of Dante Trader Jr., Michael Taaffe, and Zayne Anderson as three starters for two positions. The Week 3 rotation suggests that idea has changed.
Barry Jackson from the Miami Herald took a look at the change among the safeties and Hafley’s explanation:
Safety Julius Wood playing nine snaps in a nickel/corner role for the first time. And Michael Taaffe and Dante Trader Jr. played all the snaps at safety after sharing time with Zayne Anderson during the first two games. Anderson, who started the opener at safety, played only on special teams.
“We felt good the way Trader was playing, the way Taaffe was playing to keep them rolling,” Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley said. “The way those guys practiced last week and the communication between those two and having the same two out there constantly communicating and talking and practicing with one another, we just felt like that was the best way to kind of try to get the communication where we needed to be and I thought they did a really good job. I thought Trader played a good game. He was very physical. Taaffe was around the ball quite a bit.”
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Hafley explains personnel decisions in Dolphins secondary. And quick hits – Barry Jackson, Miami Herald
A six-pack of Dolphins notes on a Tuesday:
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Dolphins roster moves
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What to Know About the Latest Dolphins Transaction and Dozen Workouts – Alain Poupart, Miami Dolphins on SI
The Miami Dolphins made a practice squad move after looking at a large group of players
Dolphins Week 4 opponents: Minnesota Vikings news
Vikings sign RB Devin Neal amidst flurry of roster moves – Brandon Warne, Daily Norseman
The Minnesota Vikings announced a handful of roster moves on Tuesday afternoon:
Vikings Autopsy: Daily Norseman Week 3 Postgame Roundtable (A 23-16 win over the Buccaneers) – Sam Buegler, Brandon Warne, Christopher Gates, Warren Ludford, Craig Williams, and Shawn C, Daily Norseman
Hello everyone, and welcome to the Week 3 Minnesota Vikings postgame roundtable here at Daily Norseman. The Vikes are coming off a nail-biter in Tampa, beating the Bucs 23-16, and remain alone atop the NFC North at 3-0.
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ICYMI – The Phinsider News and Updates
Dolphins sign linebacker to main roster; add offensive lineman to practice squad– Marek Brave, The Phinsider
Dolphins sign Shaka Heyward to 53-man roster; James Ester to practice squad.
Dolphins’ Jacob Rodriguez nominated for Rookie of the Week Award – Marek Brave, The Phinsider
Jacob Rodriguez one of four nominees for Rookie of the Week award.
Chiefs vs. Dolphins reactions: Tuesday Thoughts With The Earl – Chris Early, The Phinsider
It could have been better. But it could have been worse.
Miami Dolphins’ Most Valuable Player | Week Three | Protection is key – Marek Brave, The Phinsider
Aaron Brewer leads Miami’s improved offensive line in week three.
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