Miami Dolphins Exceed Free Agency Expectations

New GM Jon-Eric Sullivan takes aggressive yet thoughtful approach despite salary cap challenges

Mar. 16, 2026 at 3:20pm

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In a surprising move, the Miami Dolphins have exceeded expectations in the early stages of free agency under new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan. Despite facing one of the worst salary cap situations in recent NFL history, Sullivan has been able to add several high-upside players on team-friendly deals, including bringing in quarterback Malik Willis. The Dolphins are creating competition and giving their new coaching staff a fighting chance, even if 2026 is seen as a transition year before a potential playoff push in 2027.

Why it matters

The Dolphins' free agency moves demonstrate Sullivan's strategic and thoughtful approach to rebuilding the roster, even with significant salary cap constraints. By targeting players with high draft pedigrees who have shown promise but struggled for various reasons, Sullivan is giving the Dolphins a chance to improve the team's talent level without breaking the bank. This approach could pay dividends as the Dolphins look to establish a new culture and return to playoff contention in the coming years.

The details

Despite initially tempering expectations for free agency, Sullivan and the Dolphins have already made several notable moves. They signed quarterback Malik Willis to a team-friendly contract, giving the 26-year-old a chance to compete for the starting job. The Dolphins also added a number of former high draft picks on one-year deals, including edge rusher Josh Uche, defensive end David Ojabo, wide receiver Tutu Atwell, safety Lonnie Johnson, wide receiver Jalen Tolbert, and cornerback Marco Wilson. This strategy of creating competition and giving the new coaching staff options aligns with Sullivan's stated goal of at least giving Miami a "fighting chance" in 2026, even as the team faces a long road in its roster reconstruction.

  • The Dolphins' free agency moves have taken place in the lead-up to the 2026 NFL season.

The players

Jon-Eric Sullivan

The new general manager of the Miami Dolphins, who has taken a thoughtful yet aggressive approach to free agency despite the team's significant salary cap challenges.

Malik Willis

A 26-year-old quarterback who the Dolphins signed as a free agent, giving him a chance to compete for the starting job.

Brandon Shore

The Dolphins' cap expert who worked with Sullivan to structure a reasonable contract for Malik Willis.

Josh Uche

A former second-round draft pick who the Dolphins signed to a one-year deal in free agency.

David Ojabo

A former second-round draft pick who the Dolphins signed to a one-year deal in free agency.

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What they’re saying

“We're not gonna be big shoppers in free agency, but we'll have an opportunity to add a role player or two that could come in and help us win.”

— Jon-Eric Sullivan, General Manager, Miami Dolphins (Yahoo Sports)

“We've got eight picks as we sit here today, and not a ton of money to do stuff in free agency. We have a bit of an uphill climb.”

— Jon-Eric Sullivan, General Manager, Miami Dolphins (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

The Dolphins will look to continue building their roster through the 2026 NFL Draft, where they hold eight picks, as they aim to establish a new culture and set the foundation for a potential playoff push in 2027.

The takeaway

Despite facing significant salary cap constraints, new Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan has taken a thoughtful and strategic approach to free agency, adding high-upside players on team-friendly deals and creating competition for the 2026 season. This approach demonstrates Sullivan's commitment to rebuilding the Dolphins' roster in a sustainable manner, even if 2026 is seen as a transition year before a potential playoff return in 2027.