Can Sully and Haf make Dolphins exciting again?

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!

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616 Responses to Can Sully and Haf make Dolphins exciting again?

  1. mf13ss's avatar mf13ss says:

    Tim,

    Remember that Hafner employs the Wide-9. So if we have a guy playing wide DE, he’d better have some speed in order to make up for the distance to the QB.

    To me, that’s a give away that we’ll be looking for speed on the EDGE. JMO

  2. Tim Knight's avatar Tim Knight says:

    Randy I never said draft a QB every year it depends on the situation. Sully never said every year either but maybe every other year until you find your guy. He said the QB room should always be strong. I think I’ve said enough on the subject. Willis is on the team and we can focus on the draft because FA looks like it’s going to be lower level signings. This draft is very important for the new regime. It begins their culture change.

  3. Randy's avatar Randy says:

    Tim,

    I think next year’s draft is more important than this one. We’re not in a position to get a high draft pick to go after a franchise QB this year. We could be in that position next year…and hopefully not again for a very long time.

    This draft should be about building a foundation to support that QB. Get him cheap for 5 years and keep building the team when you have the money yo do it because it’s not tied up in your QB.

    • Tim Knight's avatar Tim Knight says:

      I don’t think we’ll be drafting any higher than this year next year. I don’t think we’re going to be bad. For me the first draft especially the one we have this year with 9 picks and 5 in the top 3 rounds is what gets the new regime started with their players. Next year will be important as well. What I’m saying if we don’t have a good draft this year it’s going to set them back from the get go.

  4. mf13ss's avatar mf13ss says:

    @AroundTheNFL

    Chargers agree to terms with OL Cole Strange on two-year, $13M deal with $9M guaranteed

    ———-

    Another former Phin reunited with Capri McD in La-La Land.

  5. mf13ss's avatar mf13ss says:

    @flasportsbuzz

    Dolphins sign kicker Zane Gonzalez, his agent Mike McCartney announces.

  6. mf13ss's avatar mf13ss says:

    @MySportsUpdate

    Updated contract terms: #Patriots and Alijah Vera-Tucker: 3-years, $42M with $21M guaranteed. #Saints and RB Travis Etienne: 4-years, $48M with $28M guaranteed. #Giants and CB Greg Newsome: 1-year, $8M with $3M guaranteed.

  7. Randy's avatar Randy says:

    Tim,

    Great. More trudging mediocrity. Just what every fan hopes for! Lol

  8. The Flying Pig's avatar The Flying Pig says:

    Randy

    there have been a ton of misses on first round QBs even after the nfl changed the rules

    look at the 2021 draft

    Trevor Lawrence

    Zach Wilson

    Trey Lance

    Justin Fields

    Mac Jones

    you can argue that Lawrence had been a success – but I wouldn’t make that argument. The rest of those guys are on their 2nd or 3rd team already

    the 2022 draft only had 1 QB go in the first round

    that was Kenny Pickett which is a fail

    the 2023 is the Bryce Young, CJ Stroud draft

    both of them have been up and down at this point.

    but the 3rd QB taken was Anthony Richardson

    the 2024 draft had a lot of QBs taken – including Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels

    Bo Nix has also been successful

    but not so much Penix of JJ McCarthy

    drafting a QB is the first round is very risky

  9. Tim Knight's avatar Tim Knight says:

    We only have one player over 28. Definitely a young team.

  10. Randy's avatar Randy says:

    piggy,

    Geez I hate hyping QBs! Lol

    I just want to be the team with bright, shiny new toys for once. My QB PTSD has made me needy.

  11. Randy's avatar Randy says:

    Tim,

    mediocrity. Average. Nothing special. You know…10 wins and a first round playoff ass kicking. Lol

  12. Randy's avatar Randy says:

    piggy,

    picking a QB in any round is risky. You just have more options to hopefully mitigate that risk with a higher pick. My choice for a QB last year was Shough. He carried risk in whatever round you picked him…it just hurts less with lower picks.

  13. Randy's avatar Randy says:

    Just for nostalgia: I’m sitting here remembering the conversations we all had about why we HAD to draft Ryan Tannehill at #9…or was it #8? Good times. Lol

  14. mf13ss's avatar mf13ss says:

    @RapSheet

    Sources: #Packers FA WR Romeo Doubs is signing with the #Patriots. A new weapon for Drake Maye.

  15. mf13ss's avatar mf13ss says:

    @NFL_DovKleiman

    Breaking: The Raiders are sending QB Geno Smith and a 2026 7th-round pick to the Jets in exchange for a 2026 6th-round pick

  16. Randy's avatar Randy says:

    Tim,

    I am all for acknowledging that picks are only as good as the guys making the picks. Higher picks don’t automatically mean you get a better player, but it’s also true that the higher you pick…the more options you have.

    If I’m picking….i much prefer having 5 guys to pick from than 2. I’m not sure why that’s so confusing. You still need to make good picks. That’s a given. You just have more options with higher picks….and that applies throughout the draft…not just round one. It also gives you better trade options.

  17. mf13ss's avatar mf13ss says:

    @ElizabethForNV

    Chuck Norris turns 86 today. Happy birthday @chucknorris

    In honor of the legend, drop your favorite Chuck Norris Fact below

    I’ll start: When the Boogeyman goes to sleep every night, he checks his closet for Chuck Norris.

    ————-

    When Chuck Norris goes to sleep every night, he checks his closet for MATT ROTH!

  18. mf13ss's avatar mf13ss says:

    At least — for now — the Drew Allar talk to the Phins has been put to bed. No need to draft a QB within our first 5 (top-100) Draft picks.

  19. CavalierKong's avatar CavalierKong says:

    I’m really surprised to see such negativity about signing Willis to essentially a 2 year deal. We all know this first year is a rebuild with no expectations and we’ll be drafting a QB at some point, plus we have Ewers. There will be competition at QB in 2027 and we can cut Willis loose after 2027 if he ends up being bad.

    So we now have a vet that at least won’t embarrass us out there for the next two years, we’re not tied to him long term, and we can still add a guy if we like him. So what exactly is the problem? I mean, sure, we should have gotten Mahomes or Allen, but I’m not sure they were available.

    • mf13ss's avatar mf13ss says:

      ^

      Though, I do understand that Willis isn’t going to lead us out of the wilderness all by himself over the next 2 seasons as we rebuild/retool.

      I think it’s all good, regardless.

      • CavalierKong's avatar CavalierKong says:

        I don’t think this was about him being the next great thing. I think it was about having a serviceable guy back there that still maybe has some upside and might turn into something.

        The key is it won’t hamper us from doing anything else we want to do. I mean 22.5 million per year for 2 years is nothing for a starting QB.

      • mf13ss's avatar mf13ss says:

        Totally agreed. It’s not as though we signed Willis to a Tua contract. IF he shows and proves throughout the next two seasons in our rebuild/retool, he’s an easy re-sign to me.

        And it doesn’t prohibit us from drafting a QB early in ’27 or ’28.

  20. mf13ss's avatar mf13ss says:

    The Patsies* have gotten even stronger after 2 days of FA (and it’s not over yet), as have the Bills. And even the stej have gotten stronger.

    Due to our cap constrictions, I’m REALLY and already looking forward to the DRAFT!

    • CavalierKong's avatar CavalierKong says:

      Yeah, Jest and Pets have been active and the Jest have two 1st rd picks.

      We don’t know how our team will perform this year, but we could easily be bottom dwellers for 2026.

      • mf13ss's avatar mf13ss says:

        Yup, and that’s fine by me. I haven’t great expectations for the ’26 shot, we just need to build the correct way as we move forward.

      • mf13ss's avatar mf13ss says:

        It’s ALL about our Draft this year, as we are tethered to as much. Being we can’t add high-priced FAs, that’s almost a blessing in disguise.

      • CavalierKong's avatar CavalierKong says:

        Exactly, hit on our draft picks, build the trenches and get a top 10 pick for the 2027 draft.

      • mf13ss's avatar mf13ss says:

        We’re on the same wavelength, CavKong.

  21. son of a son of a shula's avatar son of a son of a shula says:

    Chuck Norris wears a hat to protect the sun from his head.

  22. son of a son of a shula's avatar son of a son of a shula says:

    I liked Willis when he was backing up Tannehill in Tenn he’s had a few seasons to learn the game he might be really good for us. I’m happy to have a QB that can run a little bit something that’s been missing for quite a while.

  23. Tim Knight's avatar Tim Knight says:

    We may also trade down if the deal is right. Say a team drafting in the 20’s comes calling at #11 and they offer their 1, 2 and a 5 and we also send a 7th. I would do it because it deepens our draft and the odds on adding more good players goes up.

  24. Tim Knight's avatar Tim Knight says:

    The guy who can ruin your draft plans for 2027 is Malik Willis. 😂

    • Brian in NY's avatar Brian in NY says:

      haha! Possibly- but we have significant holes in the secondary, on the OL and at Edge. Yes, some will be filled , but I’m not sure how good our D will be next year.

      • Tim Knight's avatar Tim Knight says:

        I don’t think we’re that void of talent to be competitive with a solid draft. Hafley wants to run the ball, he’s going to push that. Malik is also part of the run game. Picking up 1st downs like Josh Allen does. We haven’t had that.

  25. son of a son of a shula's avatar son of a son of a shula says:

    if Love is there at 11 he’ll be the best player on the board. That might entice someone to trade up.
    Me I’d take him.

  26. son of a son of a shula's avatar son of a son of a shula says:

    Tua was doomed from the moment we chose him with the 13 being unavailable

  27. bailbondmike's avatar bailbondmike says:

    Chargers agree to terms with OL Cole Strange

    ————-

    M13, this is good. That means they plan for him to most likely be a starter. That also means the Chargers only have to fill 1 more IOL spot. Unfortunately, I still think they do that by taking Ioane at #22.

  28. bailbondmike's avatar bailbondmike says:

    Former Chicago Bears cornerback Nahshon Wright is signing with the New York Jets on a one-year, $5.5 million max deal, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

    The Jets didn’t pick off a single pass last season. Wright alone recorded five interceptions during the 2025 campaign. He also forced two fumbles and made the Pro Bowl.

    ——

    That’s a cheap deal for that production.

  29. The Flying Pig's avatar The Flying Pig says:

    anyone think we should trade Seiler

    we might get good value for him and I’m not seeing how he fits next year with 3 young DTs who were drafted last year. Does he play DE in the new scheme?

    • Tim Knight's avatar Tim Knight says:

      No I think he’s a not only a good player but a leader and culture guy for younger players. I think we forget about stuff like that too often. Let’s just get another pick.

    • Tim Knight's avatar Tim Knight says:

      Sieler is actually a 5 technique guy. He can play all of them.

  30. Tim Knight's avatar Tim Knight says:

    The Giants could have Tremaine Edwards and Sonny Styles as their off ball LBs. That’s pretty sick.

  31. Randy's avatar Randy says:

    Yes! Greg Jennings on First Things First just said exactly what I’ve always said about Jaelen Phillips. Pressures are fine but he doesn’t have the sacks. The Eagles didn’t resign him because he didn’t produce, and he wasn’t worth the money. Hallelujah! I usually ignore WRs but he’s my favorite now. Lol

    • CavalierKong's avatar CavalierKong says:

      30 million per year with 80 guaranteed is nuts for a guy who’s never had more than 8.5 sacks and has had numerous season ending injuries.

      I’d bet a stack of money he gets injured next year and doesn’t play more than 10 games.

    • sb7mvp's avatar sb7mvp says:

      lol The Good Ole Davish “Pops” Krail of the Miami D-Line. Red 4 Standing by.

  32. Randy's avatar Randy says:

    Kong,

    I was very much hoping Phillips would become an impact edge rusher. He has always ticked a lot of the boxes. I think he is a good kid, and he plays his ass off. I wish it had worked out here, but the issues were always there.

    I think I said earlier that I don’t know why I still get surprised by these contracts, but I do. Lots of money flowing.

    • CavalierKong's avatar CavalierKong says:

      I’m with ya on Phillips. He seems like a good kid and I will root for him to do well. I certainly don’t want him to get injured again, but I think it’ll happen. I’m just glad it wasn’t us paying him 30 mil per, lol.

  33. Randy's avatar Randy says:

    sb7,

    I have no idea what you’re saying. Sorry. Lol

  34. mf13ss's avatar mf13ss says:

    @CameronWolfe

    Eagles have agreed to a 1-year deal with former Seahawks Pro Bowl CB Riq Woolen, per source.

  35. Mike E.'s avatar Mike E. says:

    Having some time to digest the Malik Willis signing, I’m coming around on it. I had an idea of how they should do things and now that idea is dead and buried, but it doesn’t mean everything is ruined and that my way was the only way. I wanted to save as much money for position players and build a strong roster. I felt like if we went forward with Ewers and drafted QB and very inexpensive vet QB, we’d be on our way, I was hoping not to once again spend on a QB.

    I do think Malik Willis could be exciting here, certainly much more exciting than anything since Tua in 2023 early to mid season. I don’t think Malik Willis will be capable of taking a poor roster deep into the playoffs or maybe not even close to a playoff berth at all. That’s why I was willing to let Ewers play. I doubt there will be any kind of QB competition since we’re going to be paying Willis 5X Ewers’ salary each season.

  36. bailbondmike's avatar bailbondmike says:

    anyone think we should trade Seiler

    ———

    Not worth it. He just signed a new contract. Trading him would cause an extra 3.3m dead cap hit to our overall cap. You would have to get the other team to take on some of that dead cap. That means a lower pick. That means it’s not worth it.

    Also, you can’t wait and trade him post 6/1 or before the trade deadline. He has an option bonus that is going to kick in after the new league year starts that will increase his extra dead cap to 7.9m against the overall cap.

    You can trade him in 2027 though. He will only cost the team trading for him 13m for a good DT in 2027.

  37. Krishna's avatar Krishna says:

    I love arm chair GM whiners on the new regime…cracks me the fuck up.

    They have cleaned house and have yet to finish a cycle…lmfao. So let’s judge them as failures already and pick up our toys and go home.

  38. sb7mvp's avatar sb7mvp says:

    Randy,

    it was a Star Wars reference.

  39. Tim Knight's avatar Tim Knight says:

    I’d say stop thinking about the past. This is a complete cleanse at the top. You can see they don’t want holdover egos and cap space.

  40. Brian in NY's avatar Brian in NY says:

    We all love to play GM- I’m pretty sure Sully and Haf know a little bit more than us!

  41. mf13ss's avatar mf13ss says:

    Krishna

     says:

    March 10, 2026 at 7:04 pm

    Lmao…both of you are apparently self reflecting when the comment had nothing to do either one of you. So telling…lmao

    ———-

    Nah, both SB7 and I had to correct you, Krishna.

    I think EVERYBODY is hoping for the best this time around. It’s going to take time, and not an overnight thing.

  42. Mike E.'s avatar Mike E. says:

    M – I said “since” 2023. 2023 happened after 2022, which is why I said since 2023. Not sure what you’re missing.

    • mf13ss's avatar mf13ss says:

      You stated… “certainly much more exciting than anything since Tua in 2023 early to mid season.”.

      Since Tua in 2023? Did you just skip over 2022 when Tua led the NFL in passer rating?

      THAT is what you’re missing.

  43. bookman11's avatar bookman11 says:

    I just want to witness a SB win before I am taken from this life. I just have to put my hope in whoever is leading this thing. Can’t change it anyway, but it is therapeutical to complain. lol.

  44. mf13ss's avatar mf13ss says:

    Mike E,

    You were absolutely CORRECT(!), in retrospect, as it pertains to Chris Grier never should have offered Tua that $$$ contract. Got it (oh, we got it!), well documented, and well done on your part!

    But let’s not play pretend that Tua hadn’t done some shit in the NFL. That’s just asinine on your part, Brother.

    I sense absolute hatred for Tua from you. That’s not the way to be, man. You would have signed that contract for your family as well, because you love your family… as we ALL love our families!

    Set aside your grief for the one who MADE it happen: General Grief (Grier).

    And being Grief and Tua are now gone, it makes no sense to cling on (heh, heh, he said Klingon, heh, heh) to the past.

    TODAY IS A NEW DAY!!!

    Let go, and LET’S GO!!!

  45. Mike E.'s avatar Mike E. says:

    M – Yes, Bookman has got it. I’m saying we haven’t had exciting QB play since Tua early to mid season in 2023. That doesn’t mean he wasn’t exciting in ’22, it’s just not relevant in that statement because I said since 2023

  46. Mike E.'s avatar Mike E. says:

    I don’t hate Tua but I don’t like him either. I don’t like that he played less than balls to the wall here so he could stay healthy. Other players on the team were while he was holding back selfishly. If you’re going to play like that, just retire, it’s not fair to his teammates ir the fans.

    • mf13ss's avatar mf13ss says:

      Mike E, WE ALL HEARD Chris Grier lecture Tua in front of reporters in the ’24-’25 offseason, that he needs to play smarter, to take less hits, and to keep himself out of trouble. That he needs to protect himself from himself.

      I don’t know how it works with where you work, but when the GM mandates something, you’d better adhere. Tua adhered.

      • mf13ss's avatar mf13ss says:

        And I’m not even trying to stick up for Tua, either! He’s toast! He’s one more hit away from retirement, and his hip is chronic. He’s DONE.

        I just feel you’re attacking Tua for all the wrong reasons, that’s all.

  47. Mike E.'s avatar Mike E. says:

    Wow! Maxx Crosby failed his physical and the Ravens backed out of the trade

  48. Mike E.'s avatar Mike E. says:

    M – that mandate was for when he was important to the team winning. They weren’t winning with him and even after Grier was fired he still played like he was dogging it. It doesn’t matter now, but I swear if he plays with reckless abandon for the Falcons I will definitely hate him without a doubt

    • mf13ss's avatar mf13ss says:

      If Ian Cunningham (Falcons GM) allows Tua to play with reckless abandon, you still can’t hate on Tua… being Chris Grier dictated the exact opposite.

      And if Tua is allowed to play with reckless abandon, his career will likely be over if he plays a game in ’26.

  49. Mike E.'s avatar Mike E. says:

    M – c’mon man, we’re men talking here. Tua fully understood the principle of what Grier was saying. We were way past that in ’25. Tua wasn’t playing well and the team was losing because of him so the whole mandate went out the window. Tua more than anyone understood that, despite throwing the entire team under the bus at different times of the season. His poor play led the Head Coach that pounded the table for him to get paid to sit him down. That’s on Tua, no blame in Grier or Capri

  50. bailbondmike's avatar bailbondmike says:

    Giants signing former Dolphins K Jason Sanders

  51. Brian in NY's avatar Brian in NY says:

    I feel the same exact way Bookman

  52. bailbondmike's avatar bailbondmike says:

    The only player we signed so far that will count against us in next years comp formula is Willis. Willis qualifies as a 4th for GB.

    To counter that so far for the Dolphins, Strange qualifies as a 6th and Borom qualifies as a 7th. Jake Bailey just missed the cutoff in his per year average. Hopefully Jason Sanders gets at least 3.5m per year. That would get another 7th.

    I don’t know how much Willis is going to cancel out.

  53. Mike E.'s avatar Mike E. says:

    M – if you’re the type of player that will do whatever it takes to win, you have that indomitable spirit, no GM is going to change that. I know because when I played, I had that. I would do whatever it took to win. When I couldn’t be like that anymore due to my health, I stopped playing

  54. Tim Knight's avatar Tim Knight says:

    I hope we go big on the OL and get this physical style going on offense for once. Impose our will with physicality and skill.

  55. The Flying Pig's avatar The Flying Pig says:

    max Crosby failed his physical and the ravens have backed off the trade

  56. CavalierKong's avatar CavalierKong says:

    It’s probably happened but I can’t ever remember a trade of this magnitude (Crosby) falling through like this after being announced.

  57. Tim Knight's avatar Tim Knight says:

    Chop needs to be a big time player this year if we want to move forward quicker. He’s the speed guy off the edge that we need. Then we add to it.

    Without a trade, if we did something like this in no particular order; 3 OL, 3 DB, 1 Edge, 1 WR and a BPA. Just improve the roster.

  58. Randy's avatar Randy says:

    Tim,

    I agree. It would be great if Chop took a big step forward. It’s a big piece to any good team. I think any scheme that gets him in space is good for him. His best asset is his athleticism. He’s still gonna have to figure out how to use his hands better. He has the quickness to get on tackles quick, but he still has to learn how to use his hands to get past them. It was disappointing not to see more progress on that aspect of his game last year. Hopefully, he is developing that part of his game.

    • Tim Knight's avatar Tim Knight says:

      He gets washed out too much. You’re right about the hands. He depends too much on that low quick bend but gets knocked to ground too often. If he improves on that he’s a different level player.

  59. mf13ss's avatar mf13ss says:

    Mike E,

    You and I BOTH concur that Tua had to go. Chris Grier made the offer, Tua signed it, and we now suffer the aftermath.

    I guess what I’m trying to say, at the end of day? Both Grier and Tua are GONE. It is what it is, and it’s water under the bridge. Why? NOBODY can change history.

    Time to look forward, man! 🙂

  60. Tim Knight's avatar Tim Knight says:

    Who is the bigger WR in this draft you like? Not meaning 6-4 but a guy who can make contested catches?

  61. Tim Knight's avatar Tim Knight says:

    I don’t know how deep Malik Willis’ route tree is as a passer. But I think he’s better than Justin Fields. I wouldn’t be surprised if we’re a 25 pass/30+ rush team early on including Willis.

    He reminds me of Steve McNair. Not a great rhythm passer but a gamer with everyone else chipping in. Game on the line he’ll try to win it.

  62. Brian in NY's avatar Brian in NY says:

    Bam scored 83 points for the Heat tonight, passing Kobe for the second most points ever.

  63. Tim Knight's avatar Tim Knight says:

    We need a guy who can take some pressure off of Waddle. Dulcich can help but not carry the offense. Achane and Willis will be the two biggest players to make the playoffs this year. The defense and STs will help but not to fulfill the prophecy.

  64. bailbondmike's avatar bailbondmike says:

    Former Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson reportedly signing with Ravens on 4-year, $112 million deal

  65. bailbondmike's avatar bailbondmike says:

    It’s 4pm somewhere. Happy New League Year!!!

  66. bailbondmike's avatar bailbondmike says:

    Tim, here is another big WR no one seems to be talking about. He’s another projected day 3 guy. Caleb Douglas measured in at 6’3.5, 206, 4.39 forty and 1.55 split.

  67. bookman11's avatar bookman11 says:

    NFL is looking at playing a game on the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving. Would guess it would be 2 teams coming off of a bye week.

  68. rich0322's avatar rich0322 says:

    Congrats to Bam for 83 points last night. It doesn’t matter who it was against.

  69. Randy's avatar Randy says:

    I don’t know what Dulcich is or isn’t, but Willis is gonna need a TE. Hopefully Dulcich can play a Kelce role. He provides very little on non passing downs, but I guess you live with that these days.

  70. bailbondmike's avatar bailbondmike says:

    Colts, QB Daniel Jones reportedly finalizing 2-year, $88 million extension

  71. Randy's avatar Randy says:

    BBM,

    Dulcich is a vet, so I tend to believe what’s been put on film. I thought Dulcich gave pretty good effort when I saw him play. He was playing fast. He’s a gangly dude, but I thought his body control was good. Good hands.

    When I say a Kelce type, I mean a guy who is smart enough to identify and manipulate defenses. Kelce is so good at finding the open areas. That needs to be Dukcich’s calling card, to me.

  72. Mike E.'s avatar Mike E. says:

    Dolphins vs Jets in Iran 2028 Season

  73. bailbondmike's avatar bailbondmike says:

    Another thing that could affect us trading down is our cap space. Based on the 2026 rookie pay scale, pick #11 is slotted to get a 4yr, $27,708,728 contract with the first year cap hit at $5,037,950. This will affect the top 51 by about 4m.

    If we were to trade down to about pick #24, that pick is slotted to get a 4yr, $18,980,258 contract with the first year cap hit at $3,450,956. This will affect the top 51 by about 2.4m.

    I don’t think this will be a factor at all if there is a great player there at #11. Though, if the players there at #11 aren’t that high on their board, it could be something to consider.

  74. bailbondmike's avatar bailbondmike says:

    Where our draft picks are slotted for contracts, 2026 cap hit and approximate affect on top 51 cap:

    #11 – 4yrs $27,708,728, cap hit $5,037,950, about 4m

    #43 – 4yrs $11,258,936, cap hit $2,047,079, about 1m

    #75 – 4yrs $7,049,706, cap hit $1,281,765, about 200K

    #87 – 4yrs $6,747,150, cap hit $1,226,754, about 200K

    #90 – 4yrs $6,728,010, cap hit $1,223,274, about 200K

    #111 – 4yrs $5,381,350, cap hit $1,169,087, about 100K

    #151 – 4yrs $4,729,089, cap hit $1,006,022, shouldn’t affect top 51 cap

    #227 – 4yrs $4,395,864, cap hit $922,716, won’t affect top 51 cap

    #238 – 4yrs $4,371,666, cap hit $916,667, won’t affect to 51 cap

  75. rich0322's avatar rich0322 says:

    It sounds like Austin Jackson restructured his deal. I don’t know the details; I just heard it on the radio.

  76. rich0322's avatar rich0322 says:

    OT Austin Jackson signed a 1 year, $7M restructured contract with the #Dolphins that includes $5.4M fully guaranteed, and 4 void years. The move clears $8.5M of cap space for Miami.

  77. bailbondmike's avatar bailbondmike says:

    Nope, they just restructured Jackson’s deal to reduce his salary to the 1.3m vet minimum then put the rest in a signing bonus and roster bonus.

    “Jackson’s cap number went from $15 million to a little under $7 million with his base salary cut to the veteran minimum of $1.3 million (fully guaranteed), according to Over The Cap. Jackson also got a $4.25 million signing bonus and a $1.5 million roster bonus.”

    So Jackson will still be a free agent next year but will have a higher 2027 dead cap hit at 12.9m.

  78. sb7mvp's avatar sb7mvp says:

    Tim,

    have you checked out Ted Hurst?

  79. bailbondmike's avatar bailbondmike says:

    Former Dolphins LB K.J. Britt reportedly signing 1-year deal with Patriots

  80. bailbondmike's avatar bailbondmike says:

    Packers reportedly re-signing edge rusher Brenton Cox Jr. on 1-year, $2.5 million deal

    ——-

    He was one I thought we might sign on the cheap.

  81. mf13ss's avatar mf13ss says:

    Former Eagles edge Joshua Uche is signing a one-year deal with the Dolphins, per agents Drew Rosenhaus and Kyle Lincoln.

  82. mf13ss's avatar mf13ss says:

    @schadjoe

    Dolphins have done a little more early in free agency than you may have expected QB Malik WillisTE Greg DulcichEdge Josh UcheOLB Willie GayK Zane GonzalezRenegotiated RT Austin Jackson Obviously not all starters are going to be filled early in FA or even by end of FA

  83. bailbondmike's avatar bailbondmike says:

    Uche will not count against the comp formula as he did not play enough snaps last year despite what his salary is. He’s probably a vet minimum anyway.

  84. bailbondmike's avatar bailbondmike says:

    Patriots sign Pro Bowl safety Kevin Byard to one-year deal

  85. mf13ss's avatar mf13ss says:

    @Schultz_Report

    Sources: The #Dolphins are signing veteran DB Lonnie Johnson Jr. to a 1-year deal. Former second-round pick was with Las Vegas last season and now heads to Jeff Harley’s defense in Miami.

  86. mf13ss's avatar mf13ss says:

    @flasportsbuzz

    Dolphins did not tender restricted free agent Julian Hill (which would have cost $3.5 M) by today’s 4 p.m. deadline, per source. He’s now a UFA.

  87. mf13ss's avatar mf13ss says:

    @flasportsbuzz

    Dolphins re-signed DT Matthew Butler, the team’s other restricted free agent… They can still try to sign Julian if they choose; there have been some discussions. Not sure what Julian will do.

  88. bailbondmike's avatar bailbondmike says:

    Looks like the Dolphins signed CB Darrell Baker Jr from the Titans.

    • bailbondmike's avatar bailbondmike says:

      Not sure if this is saying much but he played more snaps than any other CB for the Titans and it’s not close. Played 724 defensive snaps and 115 ST snaps last year.

  89. bailbondmike's avatar bailbondmike says:

    The Dolphins continue to make additions on defense. Cornerback Darrell Baker has agreed to terms on a one-year deal, per his agents (via Tom Pelissero of NFL Network).

    In addition, the team has announced the signing of fellow corner A.J. GreenThose two will join a new-look secondary in 2026. Miami agreed to terms with Lonnie Johnson Jr. earlier today.

  90. bailbondmike's avatar bailbondmike says:

    Dammit!

    ——

    As the Dolphins were announcing the Green signing, more Chubb news also broke. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the former Dolphins edge rusher will be joining their AFC East rivals, the Buffalo Bills. The deal with Buffalo is a three-year contract for $43.5 million with $29 million guaranteed, according to Schefter. The contract includes bonuses that could make the deal worth up to $52.5 million.

  91. Tim Knight's avatar Tim Knight says:

    Base defense is a thing of the past. Most teams use different defensive formations based on what offenses are doing. You still need guys who can rush the passer, stop the run and can cover.

  92. bailbondmike's avatar bailbondmike says:

    Lonnie Johnson Jr was a CB but switched to FS the last couple seasons.

  93. Brian in NY's avatar Brian in NY says:

    that sucks about Chubb. We are stuck paying dead money to a player that’s now on one of our hated division rivals

  94. bailbondmike's avatar bailbondmike says:

    Dolphins signing another older safety in Zayne Anderson.

  95. Tim Knight's avatar Tim Knight says:

    BBMike, these lower end FAs are part of the culture change. I’m getting excited for this draft seeing the players we selected. We’re already a very different team.

  96. mf13ss's avatar mf13ss says:

    @TomPelissero

    The Dolphins are signing TE Ben Sims to a one-year deal, per The Insiders.

  97. The Flying Pig's avatar The Flying Pig says:

    I dont know who any the player we signed are

  98. bailbondmike's avatar bailbondmike says:

    I wanted us to draft Ben Sims out of Baylor a couple years ago in the 7th round. He went undrafted. Big dude and a good blocker.