# Miami Dolphins 2026 roster overhaul and season kickoff > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/miami-dolphins-2026-roster-overhaul > Updated: 2026-09-13T13:02:59.000Z. Sources: 46. Developments: 24. As the 2026 NFL season begins, the Miami Dolphins have entered a rebuilding phase marked by a complete overhaul of several position groups. Following the departure of Mike McDaniel, the team has transitioned to head coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan. The roster is characterized by extreme youth, with 13 drafted players on the 53-man roster, making Miami the youngest team in the league. The offense is centered around quarterback Malik Willis, who is supported by backups Kyle McCord and Brady Cook. Analysts have noted Willis’s combination of arm strength and mobility, drawing comparisons to Ryan Tannehill. The wide receiver corps has been revamped with additions such as Chris Bell, Caleb Douglas, Kevin Coleman, and Malik Washington; notably, Bell is returning from an ACL injury faster than typical timelines. Defensively, the team is leaning on rookies like linebacker Jacob Rodriguez and cornerback Chris Johnson. While ProFootballTalk power rankings positioned Miami as the fifth-worst team in the league, fan sentiment appears more optimistic, with polling indicating approximately 79 percent of fans believe the team is moving in the right direction. Despite this optimism, the team faces significant salary cap constraints and low win projections, with FanDuel Sportsbook placing their expected win total between 3.5 and 4.5. The Dolphins are set to begin their season in an away game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. ## Claims - Malik Willis is preparing for his first training camp as the Miami Dolphins' starting quarterback. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The Dolphins signed Willis to a three‑year, $67.5 million contract with $45 million guaranteed. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The Dolphins accepted a $99 million dead‑cap hit after parting ways with Tua Tagovailoa. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Willis completed 79 % of his passes for 972 yards, six touchdowns and no interceptions in his limited starts. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Jeff Hafley, former Green Bay defensive coordinator, is the Dolphins' head coach. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Jon‑Eric Sullivan, former Packers executive, is the Dolphins' general manager. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Willis will be the 28th different starting quarterback for the Dolphins since Dan Marino's final season in 1999. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-13: Miami Dolphins prepare for 2026 season opener against Raiders The Miami Dolphins begin their 2026 season facing organizational resets and a new quarterback in Malik Willis, though fan confidence in the team's direction remains near 79 percent. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/miami-dolphins-prepare-for-2026-season-opener-against-raiders ### 2026-09-08: Miami Dolphins enter 2026 season with young roster and new leadership The Miami Dolphins begin a new era under head coach Jeff Hafley, fielding the NFL's youngest roster as they navigate a rebuild and significant salary cap challenges. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/miami-dolphins-ranked-among-nfls-bottom-five-heading-into-2026-season ### 2026-09-03: Miami Dolphins undergo major roster overhaul for 2026 season The Miami Dolphins are undergoing a major rebuild for the 2026 season, featuring a revamped offense led by Malik Willis and a defensive unit relying on rookies like linebacker Jacob Rodriguez. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/miami-dolphins-undergo-major-roster-overhaul-for-2026-season ### 2026-08-31: Malik Willis signs $67 million deal with Miami Dolphins Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis has signed a $67 million deal to start for the team, while expressing a lack of interest in pursuing a media career after his NFL retirement. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/malik-willis-signs-67-million-deal-with-miami-dolphins ### 2026-08-31: Miami Dolphins finalize 53-man roster following rookie release The Miami Dolphins have finalized their 53-man roster, releasing rookie Max Llewellyn and several other players while adding seven via waivers to address depth issues. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/miami-dolphins-finalize-53-man-roster-following-rookie-release ### 2026-08-27: Atlanta Falcons defeat Miami Dolphins 17-12 in preseason finale The Atlanta Falcons beat the Miami Dolphins 17-12 in their preseason finale, highlighted by Tua Tagovailoa's return to Miami amid boos and mixed performance. 28 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/miami-dolphins-face-roster-competition-and-preseason-challenges ### 2026-08-19: Miami Dolphins evaluate roster following 2026 NFL Draft The Miami Dolphins are finalizing their 53-man roster following the 2026 NFL Draft, with rookie tight end Will Kacmarek emerging as a key potential contributor to the team's run-heavy offense. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/miami-dolphins-evaluate-roster-following-2026-nfl-draft ### 2026-08-18: Chris Bell returns to Miami Dolphins practice after injury Miami Dolphins rookie wide receiver Chris Bell has returned to practice following a knee injury, raising hopes for his availability in the season opener against the Las Vegas Raiders. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chris-bell-returns-to-miami-dolphins-practice-after-injury ### 2026-08-18: Miami Dolphins face depth concerns following preseason opener The Miami Dolphins face depth concerns following a preseason loss to the Commanders, highlighted by Malik Willis's strong showing but struggling backups and significant dead cap constraints. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/miami-dolphins-face-depth-concerns-following-preseason-opener ### 2026-08-09: Miami Dolphins manage quarterback investment and offensive line depth concerns The Miami Dolphins are managing a high-reward investment in quarterback Malik Willis alongside growing concerns over offensive line depth due to the absence of veteran Jamaree Salyer. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/miami-dolphins-manage-quarterback-investment-and-offensive-line-depth-concerns ### 2026-08-08: Miami Dolphins prepare for preseason amid roster competitions The Miami Dolphins are entering their preseason amidst wide receiver and running back competitions, with Caleb Douglas and Malik Washington emerging as key depth options. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/miami-dolphins-prepare-for-preseason-amid-roster-competitions ### 2026-08-04: Miami Dolphins training camp highlights Malik Willis development and release of edge rusher Seth Coleman Miami Dolphins training camp sees Bobby Slowik laud Malik Willis' preparation as a pocket passer, while the team cuts edge rusher Seth Coleman amid roster reshuffling. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/miami-dolphins-training-camp-highlights-malik-willis-development-and-release-of-edge-rusher-seth-col ### 2026-08-03: Miami Dolphins' 2026 Outlook Improves as Odds Rise and Rookie LB Jacob Rodriguez Gives Update Miami Dolphins' odds improve for the 2026 season, and rookie LB Jacob Rodriguez shares a training‑camp update, citing mentorship from Jordyn Brooks and strong college performance. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/miami-dolphins-2026-outlook-improves-as-odds-rise-and-rookie-lb-jacob-rodriguez-gives-update ### 2026-08-03: Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis faces high-stakes 2026 season Malik Willis, signed to a three‑year $67.5 million deal, must prove himself as Miami’s starter in 2026 despite a weak receiving corps and analyst pressure that a poor season could cost him his job. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/miami-dolphins-quarterback-malik-willis-faces-high-stakes-2026-season ### 2026-08-02: NFL training camps see Dolphins full‑pad practice and Vikings rookie cornerback impresses The Dolphins' first full‑pad practice featured notable plays and long field‑goal attempts, while Vikings rookie cornerback Charles Demmings impressed coaches and is in contention for the 53‑man roster. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/miami-dolphins-open-training-camp-practice-with-deep-passing-displays ### 2026-08-01: Miami Dolphins Training Camp Highlights and Roster Cut Predictions Jeff Hafley highlighted rookie progress at Dolphins training camp while analysts predict veteran cornerback Ethan Bonner may be cut as Miami rebuilds. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/miami-dolphins-training-camp-highlights-and-roster-cut-predictions ### 2026-07-30: Miami Dolphins Kick Off 2026 Training Camp with Offensive Emphasis Miami Dolphins begin 2026 training camp, focusing on offensive rebound and red‑zone work while addressing roster depth and coaching style. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/miami-dolphins-kick-off-2026-training-camp-with-offensive-emphasis ### 2026-07-28: Miami Dolphins name Malik Willis starter for upcoming training camp Malik Willis will start for the Miami Dolphins in his first training camp, signing a 3‑year, $67.5 M deal after the team cut Tua Tagovailoa and took a $99 M dead‑cap hit. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/miami-dolphins-name-malik-willis-starter-for-upcoming-training-camp ### 2026-07-26: Miami Dolphins target breakout season in 2026 with quarterback Malik Willis The Miami Dolphins aim for a breakout 2026 season, with quarterback Malik Willis, tackle Kadyn Proctor and linebacker Jacob Rodriguez expected to lead a revamped roster under coach Jeff Hafley. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/miami-dolphins-target-breakout-season-in-2026-with-quarterback-malik-willis ### 2026-07-20: Miami Dolphins place rookie WR Chris Bell on injury list ahead of 2026 training camp The Miami Dolphins placed rookie WR Chris Bell on the active/non‑football injury list before the 2026 training camp, amid a roster overhaul featuring a new GM, coach, QB Malik Willis and a slate of young talent 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/miami-dolphins-place-rookie-wr-chris-bell-on-injury-list-ahead-of-2026-training-camp ### 2026-07-18: Miami Dolphins assess wide receiver competition ahead of 2026 training camp The Miami Dolphins enter 2026 camp with no clear top receiver; third‑year Malik Washington aims to earn Malik Willis’s trust, while a mix of veterans, young talent and 24 rookies compete for roles, with five预计将 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/miami-dolphins-assess-wide-receiver-competition-ahead-of-2026-training-camp ### 2026-07-12: Miami Dolphins reshape roster for 2026 season The Dolphins center their offense on Pro Bowl back De’Von Achane and add depth with Ollie Gordon II and Jaylen Wright, while linebacker Tyrel Dodson competes for starts under a revamped defensive scheme. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/miami-dolphins-reshape-roster-for-2026-season ### 2026-07-09: Miami Dolphins face deep roster turnover ahead of 2026 season The Miami Dolphins' 2026 outlook is bleak after releasing stars Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle and trading safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, while rookie safety S. D. Trader Jr. emerges as a potential starter. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/miami-dolphins-face-deep-roster-turnover-ahead-of-2026-season ### 2026-07-04: Miami Dolphins prioritize youth, skip defensive free‑agent signings for 2026 Miami Dolphins will forgo veteran defensive free‑agency signings in 2026, focusing on youth, recent draft picks, and existing depth while debating roster needs in fan mail. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/miami-dolphins-prioritize-youth-skip-defensive-freeagent-signings-for-2026 --- Cite as: Miami Dolphins 2026 roster overhaul and season kickoff. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/miami-dolphins-2026-roster-overhaul