Miami Dolphins enter 2026 season with young roster and new leadership

Miami Dolphins NFL Jeff Hafley rookie players rebuild

The Miami Dolphins enter the 2026-27 NFL season in the midst of a significant rebuild characterized by a roster of young players and new leadership. Under first-year head coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, the team has prioritized youth, drafting 13 players who are now on the 53-man roster, making them the youngest team in the league.

Several rookies are expected to take prominent roles immediately. Wide receiver Chris Bell is slated to start alongside Caleb Douglas, notably returning from an ACL injury faster than typical timelines. Other key newcomers include cornerback Chris Johnson and linebacker Jacob Rodriguez. The offense will be led by quarterback Malik Willis.

Despite the influx of talent, the team faces challenges, including significant salary cap constraints and low preseason power rankings. ProFootballTalk recently ranked the Dolphins as the fifth-worst team in the NFL heading into Week One. The team's season opener will be an away game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Entities

Jeff Hafley · Jon-Eric Sullivan · Las Vegas Raiders · Malik Willis · Miami Dolphins

Sources

Miami Dolphins Fans Choose Team’s Biggest Rival [www.thephinsider.com]

6 days ago

Young Dolphins stepping into the spotlight as Miami’s new season and new era begin - WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports | Fort Lauderdale [wsvn.com]

5 days ago

Why Dolphins Rookie Chris Bell Is Expected to Hit the Ground Running [www.si.com]

5 days ago