Why Dolphins Should Pass on Veteran Receiver Despite Concerns

There’s been a lot of discourse surrounding the Miami Dolphins’ receiving corps entering the season.

In previous years, opposing defenses had to worry about Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.

But the new regime, led by general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, released Hill and traded Waddle this offseason. Now, new quarterback Malik Willis will need another receiver to emerge, beginning in training camp.

With camp practices set to begin next week, Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton released his Biggest Roster Decision Hovering Over Each NFL Division and believes the Dolphins should sign one of the remaining veteran wide receivers.

“The Miami Dolphins placed rookie third-rounder Chris Bell on the non-football injury list. Although they can activate him at any time, he'll likely return with some restrictions in a gradual ramp-up to full activities. The Louisville product hasn't participated in the team's offseason program while recovering from a torn ACL.

"In the meantime, quarterback Malik Willis will throw to the league's worst collective group of receivers, led by Jalen Tolbert, Malik Washington and Tutu Atwell. Rookies Caleb Douglas and Kevin Coleman Jr. are also in the mix, but they'll need a standout summer to earn lead roles.

"To help Willis' development in his first year as a full-time starter, the Dolphins should sign a veteran wideout. Stefon Diggs, Deebo Samuel and Keenan Allen are still available, and they would all be the No. 1 receiver on this team. If any of the veteran receivers are interested in a high-volume target share, the Dolphins should sign that player before a playoff contender beats them to it.”

Wins aren't the point this year

If the Dolphins weren’t in the first year of a rebuild, I would agree with Moton. Their receiving corps is arguably the weakest in the NFL, with Washington, Atwell and Tolbert combining for just 268 career receptions.

But 2026 isn't necessarily about the final win-loss record for Miami. It's about identifying building blocks for the future so the franchise can achieve sustained success after failing to win a playoff game since 2000.

Some may say the Dolphins are trying to tank for the No. 1 pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.Sullivan and coach Jeff Hafley, however, have never labeled this season a "rebuild." Instead, they wanted to reset a roster full of overpaid veterans and transform a team that had become more finesse than physical.

Would a player like Diggs or Samuel improve the Dolphins' offense? Absolutely. But Sullivan and Hafley also need to find out whether any of their young receivers—or even one of the veteran additions already on the roster—can develop into a legitimate No. 1 option. Training camp is the first step in answering that question.