Out with the Old, In with the New

Out with the Old, In with the New

The 2023 Miami Dolphins’ offense was one of the most exciting in recent team history, led by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.

With three games ahead of the Buffalo Bills and only five games remaining in the regular season, the Dolphins were poised to win the AFC East crown for the first time since 2008.

Despite the large lead, the Dolphins faltered badly, finishing up second in the division and losing badly to the Kansas City Chiefs 26-7 in the wild card round.

It took the Dolphins’ owner, Stephen Ross, another two seasons before he finally realized that things in Miami needed to change radically.

It started just a few weeks ago with the firing of general manager Chris Grier and coach Mike McDaniel, and the hiring of new GM Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley.

With the trade of Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos, the offensive roster that existed in 2023 only leaves two remaining starters, running back De’Von Achane and offensive tackle Austin Jackson.

Which leads to the question, if an offer was presented to the Dolphins’ new front office that was one they couldn’t refuse, is Achane the next to go?

And with Jackson’s injury-prone tendencies, do Sullivan and Hafley have the stomach to tolerate another likely injury-filled season for Jackson?

The Dolphins pulled off a monumental trade for Waddle, receiving 1st and 3rd round picks in the 2026 draft and trading 4th round picks.

The Dolphins now have seven picks in the first three rounds, including two in the first round.

The process of building a new roster has begun, which should have started after the dismal 2024 season.

With Achane, a highly talented running back who can also catch passes out of the backfield, Sullivan and Hafley would prefer to keep him.

However, if they receive an offer that includes more high draft picks, and given that Achane will demand a lucrative contract extension this offseason, I would not be surprised if the 2026 offense is composed entirely of brand-new players compared to 2023.

A great start to Sullivan and Hafley’s tenure, we all hope.