Dolphins open 2026 NFL season with newly restructured roster
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 3, 2026, 12:20 PM
Last updated Sep 3, 2026
The Miami Dolphins begin the 2026 season under new leadership following a major organizational overhaul. General manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley guide a younger, unproven roster after the team released high-profile players including Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, and Bradley Chubb. The franchise incurred over $179 million in dead cap space as part of its effort to reset the roster. Outside expectations remain low for the Dolphins, who are viewed as bottoming out while the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills maintain their status as the primary contenders in the AFC East. Miami faces a transition period that requires multiple draft classes to establish a competitive foundation. The Dolphins are slated to open their campaign against a team led by quarterback Kirk Cousins.
- •Jon-Eric Sullivan and Jeff Hafley lead the Dolphins in their first season following a roster purge.
- •Miami released several veteran stars to create cap space and prioritize a younger roster composition.
- •New England and Buffalo are identified as the division's primary postseason contenders.
- •The Dolphins will compete against the Jets for standing in the AFC East this year.
- •The team is scheduled to play quarterback Kirk Cousins in the upcoming season opener.
- 12:20 PMYahoo Sports — How quickly can Dolphins get to competing with Bills, Patriots in AFC East?
"The Miami Dolphins have revamped the organization from the general manager on down in 2026. While new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, coach Jeff Hafley and especially Dolphins players aren’t using the word “rebuild” around team headquarters, it’s completely understandable if the team bottoms out in the first season under a new regime. While they will try to win with considerable offseason ...
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