The Miami Dolphins‘ roster has surpassed the threshold in their quest for a fresh start.
Welcome to blank slate territory. We’ve all known this was the destiny for Miami’s offseason after the team ripped up the old guard root and stem in favor of a rebuild. But when you look at the team’s books and their roster, it becomes clear very quickly that this team isn’t really tied to the sins of the past anymore. Don’t believe me? Here’s a telling stat about the state of affairs in Miami.
Dolphins’ current roster has just four players with fully guaranteed salary in 2027
Oct 12, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Chop Robinson (44) enters the field prior to a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Hard Rock Stadium. Rich Storry-Imagn Images
(Rich Storry-Imagn Images)
There are just four players currently on the Dolphins’ roster with fully guaranteed salary for the 2027 season. If you want to talk about blank slates and canvases to paint on, that’s exactly what the Dolphins now have. The four players with guarantees?
Quarterback Malik Willis, who was this regime’s first major decision, has $21.5 million on the table. 2024 first-round pass rusher Chop Robinson has $2.837 million fully guaranteed as a part of his rookie contract. And then 2025 rookies Kenneth Grant ($2.836 million) and Jonah Savaiinaea ($1.869 million) are both still in the fully guaranteed windows of their respective rookie contracts in 2027.
Defensive tackle Zach Sieler has $10 million in 2027 compensation that is currently guaranteed against injury — but does not become fully guaranteed until March 15, 2027.
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We’re talking about $33.5 million in fully guaranteed payroll next year for the Dolphins right now, plus their 2026 draft class, which will flood the roster with low cost contracts that are fully guaranteed early. If that number feels low, it’s because it is. Consider Miami’s AFC East rivals in New York. The Jets ripped their roster to shreds, too. But WR Garrett Wilson is owed $24.5 million 2027 by himself — plus names like Minkah Fitzpatrick, Joseph Ossai, tackles Armand Membou & Olu Fashanu, and Demario Davis. New York has about $55 million in 2027 guaranteed salary in comparison.
The Dolphins ranking is low, but it isn’t the lowest. The Arizona Cardinals, Miami’s top competition for QB Malik Willis in free agency, has less than $20 million in 2027 guarantees.
Miami’s circumstances here will change, as early as the next few months with RB Devon Achane, C Aaron Brewer, and LB Jordyn Brooks. But when it does, it will be because Miami’s new guard — not the ones who brought them into the building at first — want them here long-term.
Related: The perfect Jaylen Waddle replacement is out there for the Dolphins — if they want him
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This story was originally published by A to Z Sports on Mar 29, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.