RSS Dolphins Team Notes

[Miami Dolphins]

Dolphins continue cap reset with two more moves

CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 19: Miami Dolphins wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (18) on the field during the fourth quarter of the National Football League game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on October 19, 2025, at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The day after the regular season ends in the NFL is known as “Black Monday” because that is the day teams start making coaching changes. Monday, February 16, has become a pseudo-Black Monday for veteran Miami Dolphins players. The team, in need of resetting their salary cap after several years of big spending, made several roster moves Monday morning, releasing veteran players for salary cap savings heading into 2026.

The first reported release was linebacker Bradley Chubb, who likely provides around $7 million in salary cap savings. For a team who was projected to be around $17 million over the cap, that is a huge move to get back to within the league’s standards.

That move was quickly followed by news the team was releasing wide receiver Tyreek Hill. The eight-time Pro Bowl receiver missed most of the 2025 season after a knee dislocation and ligament tear sustained during the Dolphins Week 4 Monday Night Football game against the New York Jets. Hill could provide the Dolphins around $22.9 million in cap space.

Miami could designate players as post-June 1 cuts, which would increase the cap savings for this season, but would not create space against the cap until June 2 and would push additional dead money into 2027. No indication of the team using that designation has been reported.

The Dolphins’ salary cap moves did not stop with those two. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Miami also released guard James Daniels. The veteran offensive lineman had signed a three-year contract with the Dolphins as a free agent in 2025 after spending four years with the Chicago Bears and three seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. A second-round pick by Chicago in 2018, Daniels only played in one game for Miami during the season after sustaining a pectoral injury in Week 1.

Miami then released wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, according to Pelissero. The Dolphins signed Westbrook-Ikhine to a two-year contract last offseason, bringing him to Miami after five seasons with the Tennessee Titans. He caught just 11 passes for 89 yards with the Dolphins in 15 games played, including three starts.

According to Pelissero, the four moves for the Dolphins create around $56 million in cap space.

Source: https://www.thephinsider.com/miami-...reek-hill-bradley-chubb-salary-cap-space-2026

 

[Miami Dolphins]

Miami Dolphins Discussion: Initial Roster Purge Edition

BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 18: Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) throws up a peace sign of two fingers after making a catch before running the rest of the way into the end zone for a touchdown during the Miami Dolphins versus Baltimore Ravens NFL game at M&T Bank Stadium on September 18, 2022 in Baltimore, MD (Photo by Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Our Miami Dolphins were expected to undergo some level of roster purge before free agency, both because the team was above the salary cap for 2026 and because of a new regime. The purge kicked off this morning with the release of Bradly Chub and was further highlighted with the release of star wideout Tyreek Hill and at least two others (at the time I wrote this post). Even if the cap was in good shape, which it has not been for years now, we all knew that the new regime would want to turn the roster over to some degree to shape it in their own vision, as every new regime does.

I think, as fans, we can assume or already know that further moves will be made, be it cuts or trades, to include, at some point, former starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. As for trades, the team can begin trading any players they wish, starting on March 11th, the official start of the 2026 NFL league year. That same date will apply to teams, allowing them to designate up to two players as post-June 1st cuts, thereby delaying some of those players’ dead cap hits by pushing them into the 2027 league year. Among the names widely mentioned as possible players Miami may trade, include Tua (assuming anyone is willing to trade for him), wideout Jaylen Waddle, and running back Devon Achane.

As it applies to Tua, for those who are curious, his cap hit in 2026, if left on the roster for the league year, would be $56,267,647. Cutting Tua before June 1st would accelerate the cap hit to $99,200,000, or an additional $42,932,353 in cap charges. Trading him pre-June 1st would cause a cap hit of $45,200,000, giving the team a cap savings of $11,067,647. A post-June 1st cut or designation would cost the team an accelerated amount of $67,400,000, or an additional $11,132,353 in cap charges. A post-June 1st trade would cost the team $13,400,000 against the cap, with a savings of $42,867,647 against the cap, assuming the new team would not require Miami to take on more of, most of, or all of Tua’s salary, which actually seems more than likely with either trade scenario.

With all of that in mind, this eveings Phinsider Question Of The Day is:

With all of the cuts that we have already seen today, who else should the team cut before free agency begins, or try to trade after the beginning of the league year? Additionally, were there any of the cuts that you disagree with, and why?

For further reference, you can look up all players currently under contract with the Miami Dolphins here at OverTheCap.com. They have a feature that lets you view each option for each player, showing cap savings and any dead cap added. They may or may not have updated the roster with this morning’s cap moves by the time this is posted.

Please share your thoughts and answers in the comments section below-

Source: https://www.thephinsider.com/miami-...phins-discussion-initial-roster-purge-edition

 

[Miami Dolphins]

Dolphins under salary cap after flurry of cuts

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - SEPTEMBER 29: Tyreek Hill#10 of the Miami Dolphins runs off of the field at halftime during an NFL football game against the New York Jets at Hard Rock Stadium on September 29, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images

It was a black Monday in Miami Gardens for multiple veterans within the Miami Dolphins organization. The team — under the new leadership team of general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley — axed pass rusher Bradley Chubb, wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and offensive guard James Daniels.

Those four cuts took a team that was significantly over the salary cap prior to Monday to a team that now sits with $3.1 million in cap space according to OvertheCap.com — even without Chubb’s money factored in just yet due to the team not officially releasing him despite Chubb posting a farewell message on social media. When Chubb’s savings become available to the Dolphins, the team will have between $11 million and $13 million in cap space (depending on how they choose to officially move on from the veteran EDGE player).

The departure of Tyreek Hill was by far the biggest money saving move Miami made on Monday — with the soon-to-be 32 year-old pass catcher’s release saving the Dolphins $22.9 million in cap space. However, the Dolphins will still be on the hook for a $28.249 million dead cap hit while Hill suits up for another team in 2026.

On paper, these moves would seem to open significant holes on Miami’s roster, but Daniels played just three snaps for the Dolphins in 2025, Hill only played 3 and a half games last season, Westbrook-Ikhine caught just 11 balls for 89 yards and zero touchdowns during his lone season in Miami, and Bradley Chubb — a player who will turn 30 years-old this summer — had clearly lost a step following a knee injury that caused him to miss the entirety of the 2024 NFL season.

For a team that went 7-10 in 2025 despite everything crumbling around them, Monday’s cuts provide the organization with some much needed cap space, while clearing out aging and/or unproductive players on the roster. With a strong draft class, and some prudent free-agent signings, the Dolphins will hope to compete for a playoff spot in 2026 while continuing to remake their roster in the new regime’s image.

Source: https://www.thephinsider.com/miami-...olphins-under-salary-cap-after-flurry-of-cuts

 

[Miami Dolphins]

Miami Dolphins Discussion: De’Von Achane Edition

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 09: De'Von Achane #28 of the Miami Dolphins carries the ball for a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the fourth quarter in the game at Hard Rock Stadium on November 09, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images) | Getty Images

On a team that has not had much to celebrate as of late, highlighted by front-office and coaching staff turnover this offseason, the fans still had one exciting offensive player to cheer for. De’Von Achane has stood out since arriving in South Florida, often among the best players on the offense. Achane is, without a doubt, even if not as well known as he should be, a star player at the NFL level, even if he has played for a mediocre-to-bad team. Now, Achane enters the final season of his rookie deal, which pays him just a little under 6 million dollars. Achane has, without a doubt, earned a new deal and a substantial raise, but will he still be a star-level back by the time this team gets to the point where they can actually compete for a championship, or is he a for-sure trade target for the new regime, given his value that is now much higher than his initial draft position (3rd rond 84th overall)?

So this evenings Phinsider Question Of The Day is:

What do you think that the new coaching staff and front office should do with De’Von Achane going forward? Should they extend him right now/before the season begins, should they allow him to play on the final year of his deal before deciding if they want to re-sign him to a new deal, or should they consider trading a player that they took in the third round who could now garner a first-round draft pick?

Please share your thoughts and answers in the comments section below-

Source: https://www.thephinsider.com/miami-...iami-dolphins-discussion-devon-achane-edition

 

[Miami Dolphins]

Tough decisions on the horizon – The Splash Zone 2/18/26

Jon-Eric Sullivan pulled the band aid off on Monday when he released four players that included Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb. The moves were necessary and it got the Miami Dolphins under the salary cap. There are going to be plenty of more moves made in the coming weeks as the fates of certain veterans become clear. Austin Jackson is one of those veterans, who has battled injuries and has been above average when healthy. Maybe Sullivan will try to trade the right tackle or maybe a contract restructure is in order.

You can check out that story here, and the rest of the day’s round-up below.

Dave Hyde: Releasing Hill, Chubb was predictable — now, new Dolphins’ decisions get tougher
Start waving goodbye. Anyone can go. The new season began Monday for the Miami Dolphins’ new regime with the release of Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb, two names bigger than the decision to let them go.

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Dolphins Wide Receivers​

Tyreek Hill bids farewell to Miami, Dolphins fans in Instagram post
If Tyreek Hill harbors any ill will toward the Miami Dolphins or their fans in the wake of his release, he has not shown it. So far, the 31-year-old receiver has expressed gratitude and reflection rather than bitterness.

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Dolphins Tight Ends​

Why the Dolphins Must Re-Sign This Critical Internal Free Agent
The Dolphins found a gem last season at a position of need.

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Dolphins Offensive Line​

Where Daniels Ranks Among Biggest Free Agent Flops
The Miami Dolphins moved on from free agent guard James Daniels after one season and three snaps

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Dolphins Offseason​

Examining Where Dolphins Stand at Key Positions After Flurry of Cuts
The Dolphins cut several players, leaving some big holes at key positions.

Savvy Miami Dolphins fans smartly embrace another tear down
On December 11, 2023, the last Miami Dolphins regime reached its apex.

Handicapping Who the Next Players To Go Will Be
The Miami Dolphins released four players Monday, but they’re likely not done moving notable veterans

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Phinsider News You May Have Missed​

Dolphins begin purging roster – The Splash Zone 2/17/26
Welcome to the Splash Zone, the quickest way to get your day started off right. We bring you a rundown of Miami Dolphins news from the last 24 hours.

Dolphins under salary cap after flurry of cuts
Dolphins clear tens of millions of cap space with four significant roster moves ahead of free-agency.

Jeff Hafley lands in surprising position in ranking of new head coach hires
Dolphins new coach places 5th in ranking of 10 new head coach hires.

2026 NFL Mock Draft: Miami Dolphins scouting 3.0
Our third run through a mock draft to find players to scout for the Miami Dolphins.

Miami Dolphins Discussion: De’Von Achane Edition
We ask Miami Dolphins fans what direction they would like to see the team go with star running back Devon Achane.

Source: https://www.thephinsider.com/the-sp...splash-zone-2-18-26-tyreek-hill-bradley-chubb

 

[Miami Dolphins]

Miami Dolphins Discussion: Who To Trade Edition

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - OCTOBER 08: Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) does a touchdown celebration waddle in the first half during the game between the New York Giants and the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, October 8, 2023 at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Fla. (Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

We have previously asked which Miami Dolphins you, the fans, would like to see cut. We also discussed last evening that De’Von Achane is entering the last season of his contract, and the team will need to decide whether to trade or extend him. But what of the rest of the players who the Dolphins currently have under contract? The new front office and coaching staff will need to go down the roster and decide which players to cut, trade away, or keep/extend. I also suspect that there will be players on this roster who may not be in the long-term plans for the new regime, but will be kept at least another season until they can be replaced either via the draft, trades, or free agency.

So this evening’s Phinsider Question Of The Day is:

Which players currently on the roster, whom you believe have tradable value, would you like to see the team attempt to trade away once the league year begins on March 11th?

For further reference, you can look up all players currently under contract with the Miami Dolphins here at OverTheCap.com. They have a feature that lets you view each player’s trade option, based on whether they are pre- or post-June 1st trades.

Please share your thoughts and answers in the comments section below-

Source: https://www.thephinsider.com/miami-...iami-dolphins-discussion-who-to-trade-edition

 

[Miami Dolphins]

Former Miami Dolphins WR Isaiah Ford joins Bears coaching staff

NASHVILLE, TN - JANUARY 2: Isaiah Ford #87 of the Miami Dolphins motions before a play during an NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on January 2, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images) | Getty Images

A former Miami Dolphins 7th-round draft pick (237th overall) has decided to get into coaching.

According to the Chicago Bears’ official site, Isaiah Ford will be joining Ben Johnson’s coaching staff for the 2026 NFL season.

We have made several changes to the coaching staff

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) February 18, 2026

Ford, 30, played four seasons with the Miami Dolphins, catching 63 of 97 targets for 68 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Despite only appearing in 32 career games with the Dolphins (3 Career Starts), he also spent time with the New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, and Chicago Bears. During his time in Miami, Ford was given the nickname “boomerang” (It me!) for his ability to always come back, even after being cut from the roster or sent to the practice squad.

Last week, I mentioned the potential of Terrace Marshall Jr. and how he was once on my list of WRs I was excited about. Isaiah Ford was also one of those players. In fact, for those of you who may remember, Aaron Sutton and I did a film breakdown on Ford after he landed in Miami.

Obviously, he never became an all-star player, but he did fill out a vital role on the roster. Hell, he even caught Tua Tagovailoa’s first touchdown pass. And now, despite having a long shot even to make it in the league, he will be an offensive quality control coach under one of the league’s brightest offensive minds.

Goodluck, Isaiah Ford. We’re rooting for you!

What are your thoughts on Isaiah Ford joining the Chicago Bears coaching staff? Let us know in the comments section below!

Source: https://www.thephinsider.com/genera...d-joins-chicago-bears-coaching-staff-2026-nfl

 

[Miami Dolphins]

Miami Dolphins Fans On What Wins Championships

TOPSHOT - Seattle Seahawks' players celebrate with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the New England Patriots during Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on February 8, 2026. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images

Last week, I asked our Phinsider faithful the following:

In the NFL, where the rules and the game in general are now geared toward a higher rate of offensive production and, in turn, higher scoring, why are NFL Championships still won on the backs of dominant defenses?

Below are some of your thoughts and answers-

UpInPensacola points out an issue our Dolphins have had over the last few seasons, which may have cost the team games or, at times, made winning much more difficult.

Reducing pre-snap penalties will help.

On both sides.

My least favorites are “Lining up in the neutral zone” and “Illegal formation”.

finfanfromsiam said some stuff…

Simple- ball goes to offensive player and defensive player smash!!!

madcitydave believes that it’s all about where you get that hair trimmed.

Like minded coaches and GM that utilize the same barber.

finfanfromsiam chimes in again, suggesting that Goodell should just give it up already.

I don’t care how much Goofell tries to push this offense rhetoric, defense will always be what wins SBs. Until they wear this……which isn’t far off btw….

MiamiItaliano says it all comes down to the great defenses throwing the quarterback off schedule. Truth! A strong pass rush and a solid secondary go a long, long way in the NFL!

Defense wins championships because great defenses throw any QB off their rhythm. If QBs can’t 3 step drop, find their primary target, run for their lives avoiding a sack, etc., then they panic. Today’s NFL offense goes through the QB and when the QB can’t perform, it’s usually game over for that team.

PhinsTifosi points out that if Ross wants a full stadium, then show that you can compete for the big prize.

Bear Bryant – O sells tickets. D wins championships.

PhinsTifosi – Championships sell tickets.

JUK seconds my thoughts on pass rush and secondary!

It’s pretty simple. Playoff football has tougher conditions and better opponents. The rule changes have made it easier for good offenses to put up points on bad teams, but if you can generate pressure and avoid coverage busts that always plays

Urthling believes that the team concept of some solid defenses can disrupt a given offensive scheme.

I have a theory:

I think a dominant offense usually revolves around a particular scheme. I think a dominant defense tends to be driven by gritty players playing as a team.

An offensive scheme can be disrupted by a dominant defense (pressure, physicality, taking away top option), but a defensive “team” mindset on a team of tough players is harder to disrupt.

This gives defense the advantage and makes it “more consistently” able to defeat dominant offenses.

sdphinsfan says limit the scoring!

When you get to the playoffs, you generally have the best playing the best. In that scenario, teams that are the healthiest and most complete on both sides of the ball rise to the top. But the real differentiator is a team’s ability to limit another team from scoring. If you’re opponent can’t score, and you can be efficient and not turn it over, chances are you’re gonna win…

JKBMia says the key is pressuring the QB with four defenders.

Pressure with 4

That’s our selection of answers for this evening. Thank you, as always, for taking the time to visit our question of the night post and contributing to the post. Please join us for our Victory Of The Week Post tomorrow night.

Source: https://www.thephinsider.com/miami-...iami-dolphins-fans-on-what-wins-championships

 

[Miami Dolphins]

Dolphins free agents 2026: Walk, tag, re-sign – Kader Kohou

HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 15: Kader Kohou #4 of the Miami Dolphins looks on from the field during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on December 15, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Our annual review of the Miami Dolphins’ soon-to-be free agents starts today as we get ready for the 2026 NFL league year. Miami has 35 players slotted to hit free agency this year – not including released players like wide receiver Tyreek Hill or guard James Daniels. Free agency begins on 13, with the Dolphins needing to make decisions on all of these players between now and then.

The start of our breakdown will be with cornerback Kader Kohou, who just finished his fourth season in the league. As we will do for each player in this series, we will take a look back at his 2025 season, envision his role with the team in 2026, and then provide our thoughts on if he should be re-signed, franchise tagged, or allowed to leave in free agency.

Due to changes in our editor, I am unable to add a poll as I have in previous years for this series. Instead, I will embed a post from X to allow you to vote and invite you to head into the comments to discuss.

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Biography​

Kader Khou​

Position: Cornerback

Age (when season begins): 27

College: Texas A&M – Commerce

Draft: Undrafted in 2022, signed by the Miami Dolphins

Experience: 4 years

Previous Teams:

• Miami Dolphins (2022-2025)

Pro Bowl, All-Pro, Awards: None

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Expiring Contract​

1 year, $3.3 million

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2025 Review​

Kohou signed a one-year contract with Miami in April and looked in position to resume his role as a starter. In his first three years, he appeared in 47 games, starting 38 of them, including 13 starts as a rookie, and recorded 180 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, one sack, 28 passes defensed, and three interceptions. With Jalen Ramsey and Kendall Fuller no longer with the team, Kohou was the one 2024 starting cornerback who was expected to be back with the Dolphins for 2025. During a July training camp practice, Kohou tore his ACL and missed the entire season.

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2026 Outlook​

Cornerbacks do not usually return as the same player they were in their first year back from an ACL tear, as they often question whether the knee is fully healed. The good news for Kohou is that the tear happened so early in training camp, he should be ready for a full build-up for the season. The market for Kohou may be lukewarm this offseason as teams wait to see if he has recovered. The Dolphins have to rebuild their cornerbacks group after last year’s injury-fest that decimated the depth chart. Kohou would likely immediately return to a starting role, likely slotting in as the nickel cornerback.

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Walk, Tag, or Re-Sign?​

Re-sign. Kohou should be relatively cheap to re-sign as he looks to prove he is fully recovered before cashing in on a bigger contract in 2027. Miami needs cornerbacks and they have one that they know and have spent time developing – albeit with a different coaching staff. Bringing back a younger player who has proven he can play at the NFL level would be the best move in this case.

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What do you think Miami should do? Vote here and head to the comments to discuss:

What should the Miami Dolphins do with cornerback Kader Kohou in free agency?

— The Phinsider (@thephinsider) February 20, 2026

Source: https://www.thephinsider.com/miami-...-kader-kohou-rumors-resign-franchise-tag-walk