An Entirely New Offense in Miami for the Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are a completely new team. From top down, it has been revamped (for better and for worse). Here is what to expect from this new-look Miami Dolphins offense in 2026. You may not have realized how different each position group is until now. Has it changed for the better?
Quarterbacks
For the first time since Ryan Fitzpatrick was the starter, the Dolphins are rolling into each game with an athletic quarterback with a sturdy lower half. Unfortunately for Tua, he was not healthy enough to be that type of quarterback. Though Malik Willis is unpolished and inexperienced, he has tools that Miami has been yearning for for years. Outside of Willis, the team went out and traded for backup quarterback Kyle McCord.
A strong-armed backup with a lot of collegiate experience is valuable. He is also accustomed to multiple schemes and was one of the hotter quarterbacks this preseason. The team also went out and claimed Brady Cook off waivers from the New York Jets. Though he is nothing special, many teams have decided to carry 3 quarterbacks on the active roster.
Nothing like the last few years, right? Hopefully the play is vastly better than it has been.
Wide Receivers
Another position group that is completely different than last season. The only carryover is Malik Washington. Via the draft, Miami went out and grabbed 3 wideouts: Chris Bell, Caleb Douglas, and Kevin Coleman. Bell and Douglas are vastly different from their predecessors in Waddle and Hill. Douglas possesses a huge, lanky frame and the ability to catch balls at the highest point. Bell has the run-after-catch ability but is also built like a linebacker at 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds. Coleman is a shiftier slot receiver with strong collegiate production and looks to rotate in the slot with Malik Washington.
The Dolphins also went out and signed receivers Jalen Tolbert and Ryan Miller, sure-handed players with bigger frames. Gone are the days of Miami relying on yards after catch and RPOs. This team is built around deep balls and contested catches, with reliable targets in the slot, reminding fans of the 2016 team that made a playoff push.
Tight Ends
The Dolphins are rolling into the regular season with 4 active tight ends on the roster, and a fullback. Greg Dulcich is the only player carried over from last year’s team. The 3 additions at tight end are all rookies from the 2026 draft class. Will Kacmarek, Seydou Traore, and newly acquired Justin Joly.
The concept of the tight end position is pretty straightforward. You also have common archetypes, such as blockers and big-slot players. Miami has decided to acquire players of all types. Starting with Will Kacmarek in round 3 of April’s draft, it was definitely a shocking pick at the time. He was not productive through the air at the collegiate level, but was always reliable in the blocking game, being trusted as a 6th lineman.
He has played a lot in camp and will be the other tight end in 12 personnel. Traore was selected by Miami in round 5 of the draft, and though he’s coming off a disappointing offseason, he is remaining on the 53-man roster. It seems Miami really wanted Justin Joly in the draft, but Denver took him. Luckily for the Dolphins, Joly was waived, and they scooped him up. He may be active earlier than Traore.
Lots of young talent, and a lot of juice through the air.
Offensive Line
This group has stayed very static, like the running backs, but there are 2 rookies who deserve to be talked about. First-round selection Kadyn Proctor is going to be the starting left guard in week 1. He is a big upgrade on paper from last year’s guard situation. The elite size, strength, athleticism, and draft status alone make him a powerful addition on the line. An under-the-radar addition to the line is 6th-round pick DJ Campbell, a Texas alum. He was impressive throughout camp and preseason, and definitely has some potential to push for a starting spot if Jonah Savaiineaia struggles as he did in 2025.
Miami also traded for Patriots tackle Caedan Wallace, who got some work in the preseason. He was solid and definitely has some tools to work with moving forward. Austin Jackson is constantly injured, so having a reliable swing tackle is much needed for the team this year.
The general public and football media are disrespecting the Dolphins’ offense. They are young, inexperienced, but a whole lot of promising talent on the team.