The Right Way to Tank

The Right Way to Tank

The Miami Dolphins may never admit it publicly, but what we’re witnessing looks a lot like tanking — and for once, it’s being done the right way.

This season unraveled early. A brutal start buried the Dolphins in the standings before the year even had a chance to take shape, and instead of finding clarity as the season progressed, the problems only became more obvious. Tua Tagovailoa’s quarterback play regressed in alarming ways, exposing limitations that defenses have fully adjusted to. So much so, in fact, that he was benched, giving rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers his first career start.

While Ewers didn’t look bad in the first half, his two interceptions in a 45–21 loss did little to inspire confidence that he is the franchise quarterback of the future.

Compounding the issue is a head coach who simply can’t get out of his own way. Mike McDaniel’s play-calling may be creative, but his in-game decisions continue to hurt this team at critical moments. Whether it’s abandoning what works, overthinking situational football, or leaning too heavily on scheme instead of personnel, McDaniel has done little to inspire confidence that he’s the coach to lead the next phase of this franchise. Whether Stephen Ross ultimately decides to move on from him is a massive question — and one that deserves serious consideration.

But here’s where things get interesting. If the Dolphins finish these final two games the same way they’ve played much of this season, they could realistically land a top-ten pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. And unlike past years, this wouldn’t require any behind-the-scenes maneuvering or roster sabotage. No “conspiring” to lose. No hollow rebuilds. Just the natural consequence of poor performance and organizational misalignment.

For once, Miami might fall into a premier draft position, honestly — and that matters. A top-ten pick gives the Dolphins real flexibility. Whether it’s a quarterback, a franchise offensive lineman, or a defensive cornerstone, that type of draft capital can accelerate a reset in ways mid-round selections simply can’t. It also forces clarity at the top. You can’t waste a pick like that without a plan.

There’s another underrated benefit to how this season is closing: evaluation. With the playoffs out of reach, the Dolphins are finally getting extended looks at players who may factor into the 2026 roster. Young contributors, rotational defenders, depth pieces — these final games matter when determining who deserves to stay and who doesn’t. That’s how smart organizations build, even in lost seasons.

Of course, the biggest looming question remains in the front office. Will Stephen Ross stick with Champ Kelly as general manager, or will he decide that a full reset is needed after these next two games? Ownership patience has limits, and a high draft pick often becomes the catalyst for sweeping change.

And that’s exactly what this franchise needs.