Youth Movement Shows Signs of Promise Going into 2026

Youth Movement Shows Signs of Promise Going into 2026

Not many things went right for Miami this season.

They only won seven games, fired their general manager, and their starting quarterback, who they signed to a $212.4 million contract, was benched by the end of the year.

However, there are some signs of optimism as the franchise embarks on another rebuild.

For one, there are two cornerstone weapons on offense in Jaylen Waddle and De’Von Achane.

Waddle, just 27 years old, had 64 receptions and 910 yards with six touchdowns as the number one option in the Dolphins for the majority of the year after Tyreek Hill‘s injury.

If the Dolphins are able to add a reliable second option either in the draft or in free agency, along with more dependable quarterback play, expect Waddle to once again put up big numbers in 2026.

Along with Waddle, Achane established himself as one of the best running backs in the NFL in 2026.

The third-year back out of Texas A&M totaled 1,350 yards on 238 carries, good enough for 5.7 yards per carry.

He also totaled over 60 receptions out of the backfield in 16 games.

Achane did all of that behind a subpar offensive line.

Imagine what the speedy back can do behind a revamped unit that should feature more help from the draft in April.

Defensively, Miami got valuable contributions from many rookies such as Kenneth Grant, Jordan Phillips, and Dante Trader Jr.

Later in the year, they had other rookies make larger impacts with Zeek Biggers and Jason Marshall Jr.

All five players should see bigger roles in 2026, as they play on the defensive front and secondary, which are two position groups that should see major change next year.

This group of rookies does not even include Theo Wease Jr. and Quinn Ewers, who received valuable snaps in the team’s final three games.

Yes, the season as a whole was one to forget.

But, heading into 2026, there are reasons for optimism, starting with the multitude of young talent throughout the organization.