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Dolphins' Roster: A Thin Line to Survival
29 Aug
Summary
- Dolphins face NFL's thinnest roster, impacting starters' play.
- Team's 2026 dead cap hit is an NFL-worst $179.9 million.
- Playoff contention may be delayed until 2028 due to salary cap issues.
The Miami Dolphins are currently navigating what is described as the thinnest roster in recent NFL history. This dire situation has led coach Jeff Hafley to limit the participation of starters, even in the preseason finale against the Atlanta Falcons, prioritizing player preservation over competitive play.
The team's financial predicament is a significant factor, with an alarming $179.9 million in dead cap money for 2026, the highest in the NFL. This figure, allocated to players no longer on the roster, exceeds the $148.6 million cost of the active roster for the same year.
This financial mismanagement, attributed to the previous administration, means the Dolphins' second and third units resemble a championship team's third and practice squads, respectively. Consequently, predictions suggest the team may not be competitive for a playoff spot until 2028.
Currently, the Dolphins possess only three "blue" or "red" tier players: De'Von Achane, Jordyn Brooks, and Aaron Brewer. The team's outlook for the upcoming season, which is expected to be a year of survival, remains bleak, with projections of as few as three wins.
