A Different Approach Begins to Take Shape

A Different Approach Begins to Take Shape

It is becoming clear that General Manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley are approaching this offseason with a strategy radically different from that of former GM Chris Grier.

The days of filling our roster with highly expensive players who are past their prime and/or injury-prone are over.

The first casualties are Tyreek Hill, Bradley Chubb, James Daniels, and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine.

Hill had a stellar 2023 season, but his play declined in 2024, and his gruesome injury in 2025 raises questions about whether he can play effectively in the future.

Chubb also had a great 2023 season until he suffered a torn ACL, which kept him out for the entire 2024 season.

James Daniels and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine were non-factors, with Daniels playing a whopping three plays before he was hurt and Westbrook-Ikhine failing to perform in any significant way.

The next two players likely to be informed that they are being released are Minkah Fitzpatrick and Tua Tagovailoa.

Sullivan can hopefully receive some draft capital for Fitzpatrick as he continues to play at a Pro Bowl level.

A team trading for Tua is highly unlikely, as Tua is extremely overpaid and significantly underperformed and regressed in 2025.

I am guessing that the Dolphins’ new regime will simply rip the band-aid off and absorb the 99.2 million dollar hit that comes with it.

So how are Jon-Eric Sullivan and Jeff Hafley planning to rebuild the Dolphins’ roster?

It will be with younger players they acquire through the 2026 and 2027 drafts, and by picking up players other teams cut who show promise.

Some players who fit that description are already on the roster, such as running back De’Von Achane, who will certainly be given an extension this offseason.

Let’s enjoy the process and have confidence that our new GM/head coach tandem will make good decisions and rebuild our team the right way.