Dolphins Offseason Moves Described as "Reset"

Bleacher Report analyst gives blunt assessment of Miami's roster overhaul

Mar. 16, 2026 at 8:04pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Miami Dolphins have made a series of major roster moves this offseason, including cutting ties with several high-profile players like Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, and Bradley Chubb. Bleacher Report's Alex Ballentine provided a brutally honest one-word assessment of the Dolphins' offseason: "Reset." Ballentine noted the Dolphins will have to absorb significant dead cap charges as they rebuild their roster, with the team's focus now shifting to developing new quarterback Malik Willis on a three-year, $67.5 million deal.

Why it matters

The Dolphins are in a transitional period, moving on from several key players as they look to reset the roster and build around a new quarterback in Malik Willis. This offseason represents a shift in the team's direction and a potential reset year in 2026 as they work to position themselves for future success.

The details

The Dolphins have made a series of roster moves this offseason, cutting ties with players like Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, Bradley Chubb, and Minkah Fitzpatrick. In total, the team is facing over $89 million in dead cap charges before Tagovailoa's $99.2 million hit is factored in. With limited resources, the Dolphins have focused on more modest free agent signings, with the biggest move being the three-year, $67.5 million contract for quarterback Malik Willis.

  • The Dolphins made their roster moves in the first week of the 2026 NFL free agency period.

The players

Tua Tagovailoa

Former Dolphins quarterback who was released this offseason.

Tyreek Hill

Former Dolphins wide receiver who was released this offseason.

Bradley Chubb

Former Dolphins defensive end who was released this offseason.

Minkah Fitzpatrick

Former Dolphins defensive back who was traded away this offseason.

Malik Willis

Quarterback signed by the Dolphins to a three-year, $67.5 million contract this offseason.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Miami Dolphins: Reset. The Dolphins will have to eat their salary cap vegetables with dead cap charges of $89.6 million before Tua Tagovailoa's historic $99.2 million dead cap hit is factored in. At least Malik Willis is exciting.”

— Alex Ballentine, Bleacher Report Analyst (Bleacher Report)

What’s next

The Dolphins will look to develop Malik Willis as their new starting quarterback in 2026, while continuing to rebuild the roster through the draft and more modest free agent signings.

The takeaway

The Dolphins' offseason moves represent a hard reset for the franchise, as they move on from several high-profile players and take on significant dead cap charges in order to build a new foundation around quarterback Malik Willis. This will likely be a transitional year for the Dolphins as they work to position themselves for future success.