Dolphins Kick Off Major Roster Overhaul

New regime signals complete franchise reset, releasing star players to save cap space

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The Miami Dolphins have signaled the start of a major roster overhaul, releasing star wide receiver Tyreek Hill, sacks leader Bradley Chubb, guard James Daniels, and receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. This move is part of a broader reset led by new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley, who are looking to reshape the team and get the Dolphins back to consistent winning ways after years of struggles.

Why it matters

The Dolphins have not won a playoff game since 2000, the longest such drought in the NFL. This overhaul is an acknowledgment that a simple tweak was not enough, and that the team needs a complete reset to become a consistent winner and regain national relevance.

The details

The Dolphins are shedding high-priced veteran talent like Hill, Chubb, Daniels, and Westbrook-Ikhine in order to create significant salary cap space. This will allow the team to get younger and more flexible as they look to rebuild through the draft and free agency. The biggest remaining question is the status of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who is on the trade market as the team explores options at the position.

  • On Monday, the Dolphins announced the release of Tyreek Hill, Bradley Chubb, James Daniels, and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine.
  • The Dolphins are expected to make a decision on the future of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in the coming weeks.

The players

Jon-Eric Sullivan

The new general manager of the Miami Dolphins, tasked with leading the franchise's rebuilding efforts.

Jeff Hafley

The new head coach of the Miami Dolphins, who is working with Sullivan to overhaul the roster.

Tyreek Hill

An eight-time Pro Bowl wide receiver who was released by the Dolphins after two seasons with the team.

Bradley Chubb

A star outside linebacker who was released by the Dolphins after one season with the team.

Tua Tagovailoa

The Dolphins' starting quarterback who is on the trade market as the team explores options at the position.

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What they’re saying

“The big changes have started. They have only just begun.”

— Greg Cote, Columnist (miamiherald.com)

“This is going to be a full-on roster upheaval led by new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley — a complete franchise reset.”

— Greg Cote, Columnist (miamiherald.com)

What’s next

The Dolphins are expected to make a decision on the future of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in the coming weeks, as they continue to reshape the roster through free agency and the draft.

The takeaway

The Dolphins' new regime is not messing around, signaling a major rebuild is underway with the release of several high-profile players. This marks a significant shift from the previous regime's approach, and shows the team is willing to make tough decisions to get the franchise back on track after years of mediocrity.