Dolphins Allocate Over 50% of Cap Space to Former Players

Miami's roster reset includes massive dead money charges for departed stars.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 4:11pm

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The Miami Dolphins have undergone a major roster overhaul this offseason, parting ways with several top players like Jaylen Waddle, Tyreek Hill, and Jalen Ramsey. As a result, the team will have over $165 million in dead money on their 2026 salary cap, accounting for more than 50% of their $301.2 million total cap space.

Why it matters

The Dolphins' aggressive rebuild strategy involves eating significant dead money this year in order to clear the way for a fresh start. While this will leave them with a severely depleted roster in 2026, the long-term goal is to position the team for sustained success in the future.

The details

After a string of cuts, trades, and roster moves, the Dolphins have parted ways with many of their top players, including Waddle, Hill, Ramsey, and others. This has left the team with over $165 million in dead money on their 2026 salary cap, more than 50% of their total $301.2 million cap space.

  • The Dolphins' roster reset is taking place this offseason.

The players

Jon-Eric Sullivan

The Miami Dolphins' general manager who is overseeing the team's major roster overhaul.

Tua Tagovailoa

The Dolphins' starting quarterback who is still on the roster despite the team's other departures.

Jaylen Waddle

A former Dolphins wide receiver who was recently traded to the Denver Broncos.

Tyreek Hill

A former Dolphins wide receiver who is no longer on the team.

Jalen Ramsey

A former Dolphins cornerback who is no longer on the team.

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What they’re saying

“The Dolphins will have over $165M in dead money on their 2026 salary cap this upcoming season. More than $165M of a $301.2M cap will be devoted to players no longer on the team.”

— Ari Meirov, Reporter, The 33rd Team

What’s next

The Dolphins will look to build through the draft and free agency in the coming years as they aim to construct a competitive roster for the long-term.

The takeaway

The Dolphins' aggressive roster reset this offseason will leave them with a severely depleted team in 2026, but the long-term goal is to position the franchise for sustained success by clearing the way for a fresh start.