Miami Dolphins face roster concerns before the regular season opener

The Miami Dolphins begin the 2026 NFL regular season on September 13 against the Las Vegas Raiders amid questions regarding the composition of their roster. The team enters the campaign with an NFL-record $183 million in dead salary cap space, which exceeds the $104 million allocated to active players on the 53-man roster. Statistical records indicate the team has the fewest total career games played, fewest Pro Bowls, and fewest starts among current NFL rosters. Head coach Jeff Hafley leads a team with an average age of 25, featuring 14 rookies and 18 undrafted players. Following the opener against the Raiders, the team faces a stretch of games against the San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings, and Cincinnati Bengals.

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