The Dolphins Roster Issues Were Predictable

The Dolphins Roster Issues Were Predictable

There is no need for Miami Dolphins fans to wonder why the 2026 roster is woefully lacking in depth.

It was very predictable that there would be shortfalls in most position groups, as general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and Coach Jeff Hafley did not inherit a team with sufficient financial resources to field a complete roster.

The reality is that most of our salary cap space is being paid to players who are no longer on the team.

Earlier this summer, I had forecasted the Dolphins to go 4-13 in 2026.

And although we have seen only one preseason game, it is painfully evident that once the 22 starting players on offense and defense are off the field, there is no backup plan.

Not by choice, but born of necessity.

Should we lose starters on offense at positions such as quarterback, offensive line, or receiver, the forecasted four-win total might be a stretch.

And the same can be said on the defensive side of the ball as well.

The starting group should be able to compete at an adequate level and at least give us fans some entertainment value, but it is expected in the NFL that there will inevitably be injuries.

Against the Washington Commanders, the second-team offense was painful to watch as both quarterbacks, Quinn Ewers and Cam Miller, struggled, in addition to a woeful offensive line and group of receivers.

And the backups on defense performed poorly as well, most notably in the defensive backfield.

And that is as expected given the current roster.

We can still expect effort, a desire to win, physicality, and a changed culture.

Coach Hafley and GM Jon-Eric Sullivan have asked fans to be patient.

And although our patience as fans is razor-thin, it is a very legitimate request.

We will have many rookies and young players on the 2026 roster, with potential additions from the waiver wire, but 2026 is a transition year-nothing more.

Trust the process that Hafley and Sullivan have embarked on, and we can still look forward to an enjoyable season.