"The franchise's all-in approach in past offseasons under former general manager Chris Grier, along with the lucrative extension granted to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa ahead of the 2024 season, has put the Dolphins in a salary cap predicament that is difficult to dig out of while competing in 2026. The decisions will ultimately come down to whoever is hired as the permanent general manager, with seven outside candidates joining interim Champ Kelly among those receiving interviews."
"Additionally, a handful of starters and several more rotational contributors are slated for free agency in 2026. With the Dolphins' current salary cap situation, they will be hard-pressed to make many big signings for outside free agents, but coach Mike McDaniel, at his end-of-season press conference Monday, pushed back on the idea of a rebuild. "I don't see a complete rebuild," McDaniel said. "What I see is a team that needs to make smart decisions.""
Miami's salary cap is projected to be $17.6 million over for 2026, creating pressure to make difficult roster, trade, and contract decisions. The incoming permanent general manager must address quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's future after his benching and expressed openness to a fresh start, and decide the status of wide receiver Tyreek Hill following a season-ending knee injury. Many starters remain under contract and the roster has added youth, but several starters and rotational players will reach free agency in 2026. Limited cap flexibility will hinder outside signings, while coach Mike McDaniel emphasized smart decisions rather than a complete rebuild.
Read at Sun Sentinel
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