The 2026 Miami Dolphins are going into the 2026 NFL Draft knowing they need to hit on multiple picks. While that in and of itself can put pressure on the people responsible, the scouting department, the GM (Jon Eric Sullivan), and the Head Coach (Jeff Hafley), the expectations are low for wins and losses in 2026. Despite that, there is absolutely pressure on the trifecta mentioned above to improve the roster and right the ship as far as the NFL Salary Cap is concerned. I would expect more trades, shedding more big contracts, which is an unfortunate by product of irresponsibility by the former GM Chris Grier. Saying Ross wanted to win now does not excuse many of the mistakes Grier made to get us where we are now and that’s a big part of why he, and his scouting department are both gone.
We talk about the draft here quite often, and many of you post your Mock Drafts here often. Don’t take this wrong way, I know you guys know your stuff, but I laugh at nearly every single mock draft posted with trades, where the outcome is our Dolphins netting 12 or 13 picks from 8. No offense, but that’s just silly stuff. It’s not always easy to trade back, and it’s hard to trade back multiple times in one draft. These guys are trying to find players that can help this team immediately, plug and play guys for at least the first 3-5 picks, and managing that after trading back is probably an exercise in futility. As far as trading up, I 100% DO NOT think we’ll be doing that. Our number of picks are at a premium, and the consensus is this is not a top heavy draft, there are no real superstars in the top 10 that are significantly better than the players right behind them from 11-20. Yes, there are some players that are head and shoulders better than the rest at their position like QB Fernando Mendoza and RB Jeremiyah Love, but even that’s debatable. Some folks think the gap between QB’s Mendoza and Simpson is closer than others think. What I’m trying to point out is that I believe it could be very difficult to find a trade partner to move back, and with the amount of needs we have at so many positions, a trade up would be foolish.
Addressing the needs comes down to the most impactful positions of the game, which starts with the QB, and then the guys that can get to the QB on defense and those that can defend the receivers of the QB and just as important, the guys that protect the QB. In other words, QB, DE, OL and CB. That doesn’t mean that the other positions aren’t important, but those are the premium ones, and by OL, specifically the bookends, LT and RT, and by EDGE, depending on the scheme, either DE or OLB. Pass rushers that will disrupt the QB, and hopefully sack the QB, not just get into the vicinity as our age old discussion has raged on about pressures and sacks. If there was ever a poster boy for the argument that pressures are not even close to being as important as sacks, former Dolphins OLB Jaelan Phillips would be that guy. Phillips never finished a season with double digit sack totals but have 20 QB hurries in his best season in 2022 and for pressures, 36 in 2022, and believe it or not, 35 last season for two teams combines, Dolphins and Eagles, 18 with us, 17 for the Eagles. Always close, but rarely there. 116 “pressures” and 28 sacks 63 games. Ugh!
Which position we choose in RD 1 will obviously depend on who is still available. My feeling is we desperately need a legit starting CB, so my feeling is if either Mansoor Delane or even Jermod McCoy is there, one of them is coming off the board to us. Depending on the medicals with McCoy who didn’t play the 2025 season due to an ACL tear, I would hope for Delane, but McCoy is a fine CB who would be a starter here if healthy. Reuben Bain is a tenacious player who doesn’t test especially well and has very short arms for an edge rusher, which means if an OT gets his hands on him first with a longer reach, it’s hard for him to get free. That being said, Bain’s play in the playoff was excellent, and this against some top competition. Play tape is always king, and despite some rumors that he will fall to us, I expect him off the board in the top 8 picks.
Now to the other controversial debate, the QB position. I have made it clear that I don’t want us to spend big money on a free agent QB. I know Sully and especially Haf, know QB Malik Willis better than anyone else in the NFL. Haf had Willis run the scout team so the defense would be prepared for every QB they faced that week, and Willis simulated the style of that QB. If it were a $10M per season type of thing and they felt strongly that he could be a plus starter here for our Dolphins, that’s one thing. Coming off HUGE mistake giving a QB a ridiculous contract for no good reason, namely Tua’s 4 YR/$212.4M nightmare contract, I just can’t see following that up with a $30M per season flier on QB Malik Willis who was 2-1 with the Packers and 1-2 with the Titans. I’m more than happy to go with QB Quinn Ewers in 2026, but I would also like to draft a QB in this draft, and due to the fact that we happen to have three 3rd RD picks, I believe the 3rd RD would be the place to snatch QB Drew Allar. Evaluations in general do not favor him as an immediate starter. What they all say, however, is he has the prototype build, size, athleticism and arm strength. I understand that those things alone do not make a great QB. Courage, intelligence, tenacity, comprehension all combine to collectively become an “It” factor, and up to this point, Allar has yet to show he has “It”.
There are a lot of factors that can contribute to that, and an easy one is to look at the talent that surrounds the QB, and the coaching. Penn State did not give Allar elite receivers and they changed the Offensive Coordinator 3 times during his tenure. You either accept those as valid excuses or you don’t, but those are definitely negative contributors to how the QB plays. Some elite QB’s can overcome those things no doubt, but we’ve seen QB’s in the NFL struggle in their first contract with their draft team and then go on to have success in their second, third or even 4th stop. Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield and Geno Smith come to mind. One thing you can’t coach into a player is arm strength, size, and athleticism. If you’re 6’0 215, you can’t coach them to be 6’5 230 with a rocket arm. Have I been influenced by what I’ve seen in New England with Drake Maye? No question there. Drake Maye was a better prospect coming out, but still had that boom or bust label. I’d be much more comfortable taking Allar in RD 3 to see what we can do with him. Obviously, the QB class of 2027 will be better, but keep in mind they said that about 2026 last season. Dante Moore decided to go back and Arch Manning did as well. You never really know how things will shake out, and if our guys feel they can develop Allar, I’d be thrilled to have him here.
OK, now you guys can get back to your 15 pick (Tradey pants) Mock Drafts! Love you guys and much respect to all of you!
GO DOLPHINS!!!
Finsmob Unleashed 
You know what I feel like? I feel like our shiny new beautiful car just got a big ole dent in it
I don’t feel quite that way but I still don’t care for the move as it means more of that money is going to be on the back end due to our cap issues. If he doesn’t pan out, we get another swift kick in the nuts on our cap. More wasted money on the position.
I am hoping not and hope he surprises us a little. I at least don’t see him being any worse than Tua was last year.
piggy,
They were probably gonna cut Tua regardless of what they did at QB.
I think Piggy was pointing out the timing of it all. Obviously our new regime thinks highly of Willis and they know him personally so it does make sense. Now we’ll see if he’s on the rise or those hand full of games was just a flash in the pan.
I absolutely did NOT think we’d land Malik Willis, due to the $$$ it would cost. 3-years, $67.5M with $45M fully guaranteed? Hmmm… I dunno. It’s not horrible, but it’s not good, either.
Looks like he’s got a 2-year window to show and prove as we rebuild/retool the rest of the team. We’ll see what happens.
WELCOME TO MIAMI, MALIK!!!
Yep, welcome. Now go prove yourself!
YUP!
@TomPelissero
The Steelers are signing newly acquired WR Michael Pittman Jr. to a new three-year, $59 million deal, sources tell The Insiders. So a trade and a new deal for Pittman, who now figures as a key piece in Pittsburgh.
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Pittman and DK Metcalf in Pittsburgh? NICE duo!
The Saints are signing former Jaguars running back Travis Etienne, per league sources.
I’m absolutely disgusted that all we got for Minkah was a 7th rounder and that he’s now in-division with the stej. I get it with the $$$ allocated to him, but I’d thought maybe we could get an early day 3 pick at the least.
We needed the cap space more than a higher pick unfortunately. Thanks Grier!
Obviously not 😂
DT Khyiris Tonga and the Chiefs have agreed to a three-year deal worth up to $21M, per league source.
He was one of the Pats run stuffer DT’s.
RB Tyler Allgeier and the Cardinals have reached an agreement on a two-year, $12.25 million deal
Willis’ contract may not be backloaded. Some of that non guaranteed money might be in incentives. Some easily to reach just so it doesn’t hit the cap this year.
MANY mocksters had/have Jeremiyah Love going to either the Saints @ R1P8 or the Chefs* @ R1P9.
Saints landed Travis Etienne and the Chefs* landed Kenneth Walker today. Things got a little interesting, IF Jeremiyah Love falls to R1P8. Could he possibly fall to us? And if so, perhaps somebody would be more than willing to trade up for him with us @ R1P11.
@TomPelissero
Details on Malik Willis’ three-year, $67.5 million deal with the Dolphins: $22.5M signing bonus $1.25M 2026 salary (fully gtd) $21.5M 2027 salary (fully gtd) $2M March 2028 roster bonus $20.5M 2028 salary $45M over two years for Miami’s new QB1, with a decision to make in 2028.
I was right about his two-year window to show and prove.
Bills lose OG David Edwards to the Saints and their FB to the Pats.
@Schultz_Report
BREAKING: Mike Evans is leaving the #Bucs and signing with the 49ers , per sources.
@AdamSchefter
ESPN Sources: former Ravens free-agent center Tyler Linderbaum reached agreement today on a record deal with the Raiders, who are awarding him with a three-year, $81 million deal that includes $60 million guaranteed and makes him the highest paid interior offensive lineman in NFL history.
Interesting, as it pertains to extending Aaron Brewer.
Easier to read and process…
@AlbertBreer
New Dolphins QB Malik Willis’ 3-year, $67.5 million deal.
• $22.25 million signing bonus.
• $1.25 million base for 2026 (fully guaranteed).
• $21.5 million base for 2027 (fully guaranteed).
• $2 million roster bonus, due March 2028.
• $20.5 million base for 2028.
That’s actually cheap for a QB.
Relatively speaking, yes. But it’s on top of the $99M dead-money we’re paying the now cut Tua.
Which is being split between ’26 and ’27, due to his post-6/1 designation.
2027 won’t be. That’s just his cash/base salary for that year. His cap hit will be much higher with a third of his signing bonus tacked on. Same with his 2026 cap hit which will be 1.25m plus a third of his signing bonus.
That is unless there are void years that spread the signing bonus out more to make it smaller.
M13, doing a quick scan, I only see 2 teams now that need a RB as part of their top 3 needs. The Cardinals but don’t see them taking him at #3 nor do I see them trading back for him. The other is the Seahawks, but would they be willing to trade up to #11 from #32 and give up that much?
Another possibility would be the Broncos who also seemed to have interest in Kenneth Walker also. Again, they would have to trade up from pick #30.
Only other would be the Bengals at pick #10. They need Edge and Safety. Many mocks had them taking Downs. We will have to see how the rest of F/A plays out and if those needs are met prior to the draft.
It’s going to be interesting, man!!!
@AdamSchefter
Former Browns LB Devin Bush reached agreement today on a 3-year, $30 million deal that includes $21 million guaranteed with the Chicago Bears, per agent Drew Rosenhaus.
————
Replacement for Tremaine Edmunds.
Drew making some cash today. lol
ALWAYS! LOL
Jake Bailey will be signing a 3yr, 9m extension with the Dolphins.
I get the prove it 2 year deal, but can you really evaluate a QB with a shitty roster?
That’s why it may have been foolish to sign Malik Willis to begin with.
All I have to say is that we’re probably trying to stay competitive during the rebuild/retooling? That’s a lot of money to stay mediocre and draft in the middle of the pack, as per usche.
Randy,
@PFF_College
Highest Graded Center in the PFF College Era: Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa Now the Highest-Paid Center in NFL History
@HawkeyeFootball
Edge Kingsley Enagbare will be joining the Jets.
Jets also signing 37yo LB Demario Davis for 2yrs at 22m.
Damn, is he still playing on that level at 37?
@RapSheet
JK Dobbins is back with the #Broncos.
I root for him, injuries have really messed with him.
Maybe we wait and see on Malik Willis before shitting on the guy. Cameron Wolfe said our new regime believes Willis could be the long term solution. Former Titans GM who drafted Willis is in our front office now so that’s three guys who know him.
Jon Robinson
I’m not shitting on the guy, I’m pulling for him. Looking at it, they have some belief in him. It’s not a break the bank long term deal. Teams will have to respect his wheels.
We just need to fix this damn OL!
Agreed! We have the makings of a good OL but we have to add more talent for sure. Our depth has been pretty sub par and we always need it during the season.
I would love to hear of a Bradley Chubb trade to the Bengals. They have some cap space but not sure if they could afford to take on more of his contract to clear more cap for us. A straight up trade will only clear 7.3m and we could use more than that.
This would also keep the Bengals from drafting one of the Edges we like at pick #72.
Are you sure the Jets are taking on all of Minkah’s contract in the trade. I can’t find anywhere that says that.
The cap websites are reflecting we have about a 13m dead cap hit on Minkah now and we are only clearing about 5.8m.
If this is the case then that was a real shitty trade for us!
This puts our current cap at only 8.2m.
This is not even enough to cover Malik’s cap hit (if there are no void years).
Malik Willis
22.5M signing bonus
1.25M 2026 base salary (fully gtd)
21.5M 2027 salary (fully gtd)
2M March 2028 roster bonus
20.5M 2028 salary
Basically 45M over 2 years with a decision to make in 2028.
Tim,
The guy is a 4 year vet. I think it’s okay to be concerned or at least skeptical of his ability to be a long term starter in the league. Not sure how that’s shitting on anybody.
It’s more about the move than about the player, for me. Was there a need to tie up even more money in the QB position at this point? I don’t know. We’ll see. I think we still need to use our #1 pick on a QB next year, so i just don’t see the logic in this signing.
It’s like buying a Toyota Camry for twice its value a year before you plan to lease a Ferrari. Why?
And of course I’m hoping he blows up! What fan isn’t? That’s not the discussion.
None of us know if the light went on or he was just a flash in the pan. It’s not going to affect what we had to do in the draft. Building the team up front and in the secondary still remains.
M13,
I have been talking with my Iowa buddies for weeks about our draft guys and where Tyler would end up. I’m well aware of the market he just set. Good for him…bad for us. Lol
^
Mike E. says: March 9, 2026 at 9:38 am
Boom! Minkah Fitzpatrick traded! 7th RD pick, but Jets take all of Minkah’s salary
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Who is reporting “Jets take all of Minkah’s salary”? I don’t see that anywhere.
Odafe Oweh gets $100 million contract from Commanders
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They were one of the teams to be going after Bailey or Bain. Could one of them be there at #11 now?
TE Charlie Kolar to the Chargers (Three years, $24.3 million)
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Surprised MM was not asking for Hill or Dulcich. Though, they may not be done filling the TE room in F/A yet.
I’ve always liked Mafe. These guys are getting paid. I don’t know why it still surprises me.
It’s a good thing Willis can run. He’s gonna need to. His limited passing stats are interesting. He throws for a high completion percentage while having a fairly high YPA and low TD to INT %.
I didn’t want this move so it’s going to be another hope and pray he proves me wrong move at QB.
That’s where I am at.
Same here
Tua to the falcons for $1.3 million
@AdamSchefter
ESPN Sources: Former Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa plans to sign a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons. The move now will give the Falcons two left-handed quarterbacks, Tagovailoa and Michael Penix, heading into the 2026 season.
I wish Tua the best of luck in the ATL… except when we play against him, of course.
if I could copy and paste on this POS platform, I would have posted that…
LOL @ Brian! All good, my Brother! 😀
I gave you the credit by pasting it below your OG comment.
@flasportsbuzz
Dolphins get no compensatory picks. So they have 9 picks at the moment, including 5 of first 90 overall
@Schultz_Report
Sources: The #Bills are signing former #Falcons CB Dee Alford to a 3-year, $21M deal with $10M guaranteed. Alford comes career-highs in INTs (3) and passes defensed (13) for Atlanta — and now gets rewarded with a new deal.
Test… <blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>Sources: The <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bills?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#Bills</a> are signing former <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/Falcons?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#Falcons</a> CB Dee Alford to a 3-year, $21M deal with $10M guaranteed.<br><br>Alford comes career-highs in INTs (3) and passes defensed (13) for Atlanta — and now gets rewarded with a new deal. <a href=”https://t.co/loPrzyhqr2″>pic.twitter.com/loPrzyhqr2</a></p>— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) <a href=”https://twitter.com/Schultz_Report/status/2031114867411709996?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>March 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src=”https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>
Bender is that you?
Packers release Elgton Jenkins: New center hits the free agent market
Call me a dick, I don’t wish Tua good luck. That fucker goes to Atlanta and gets himself in shape and starts playing like he cares, I might just root for a concussion
We don’t have to worry about spending any of those 5 of the first 90 picks (which doesn’t include our 4th) on a QB since we signed Willis
So to me that at least OL, CB, S, Edge, LB, TE & WR only
We may take 2 OL and 3 DBs with those first 6 picks
I think it really depends on who the BPA is
But after Chubb release you can’t ignore Edge
After Hill release you can’t ignore WR
And I don’t know what we are going to do about TE
so Willis is only costing us 1 million in 2026