The Miami Dolphins are entering another offseason filled with uncertainty following a disappointing season that concluded with a 7-10 record. Head coach Mike McDaniel appears to retain his position for now, but he understands that continued tenure will depend on future performance. “I was hired to return a storied franchise to winning regular-season games, playoff games, and Super Bowls,” McDaniel stated after the Dolphins’ loss to the Baltimore Ravens in their final game.
The Dolphins have missed the playoffs for two consecutive years, prompting questions about both their general manager and starting quarterback positions. The franchise recently parted ways with long-serving general manager Chris Grier and has since appointed Champ Kelly as the interim GM. To assist in the search for a new general manager, the team has brought in Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman as a consultant.
Quarterback Decisions Looming
A significant challenge for the Dolphins is determining their starting quarterback for the upcoming 2026 season. Tua Tagovailoa was benched for the final three games due to inconsistent play, despite having previously signed a lucrative four-year, $212.4 million extension in July 2024. In this season, Tagovailoa threw for 2,660 yards and 20 touchdowns, but his performance declined sharply, ending with a career-high 15 interceptions.
McDaniel confirmed there will be a competition for the quarterback position, stating he plans to meet with Tagovailoa to review the season. The Dolphins also have Quinn Ewers, a rookie seventh-round pick, who started three games this year, and did not establish himself as the definitive option moving forward. Ewers completed 569 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions in his time on the field.
The financial implications of retaining Tagovailoa are significant, as releasing him would incur a $99 million dead cap charge. If the team opts for a post-June 1 release, the cap hits would be divided over two years, with $67.4 million allocated to 2026 and $31.8 million to 2027.
Future Focus for the Dolphins
As the Dolphins look to reshape their roster, they also need to address the contract situation of star receiver Tyreek Hill. Hill, who will turn 32 in March, is recovering from a severe knee injury sustained earlier in the season. The Dolphins acquired him in a trade with Kansas City in 2022, granting him a $120 million contract that runs through 2026. Hill is due approximately $29.9 million next season, with a substantial portion guaranteed after the start of the new league year.
Despite the challenges ahead, McDaniel remains optimistic about the team’s direction. He believes a complete rebuild is unnecessary, as there are core players like running back De’Von Achane, left tackle Patrick Paul, and linebacker Jordyn Brooks to build around. Achane had a standout season, while Brooks led the NFL with 183 tackles.
As the Dolphins prepare for the offseason, they also hold the 11th pick in the upcoming NFL draft. With the right decisions in the front office and on the field, the franchise hopes to end its 25-year playoff win drought and return to its winning ways. McDaniel will meet with owner Stephen Ross later this week to discuss the organization’s future, emphasizing that both parties recognize the need for improvement. “We’re not just dismissing this season as, ‘Oops, we’ll try again,’” he said.
