Miami

Dolphins

Robinson will work hand-in-hand with general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan as the Dolphins careen towards a self inflicted rebuild, with the former likely playing a massive role in the direction of the franchise in the coming NFL Draft. The first order of business for the incoming front office will be finding their next quarterback after it was made evident that Tua Tagovailoa will no longer be the face of franchise moving forward.

According to Pauline, Ewers could be the Dolphins’ preferred option at QB in 2026 if the team is unable to sign Malik Willis this offseason. Ewers threw for 622-3-3 in four games with the Dolphins last season while making three starts. The rookie seventh-rounder was also sacked eight times on just 31 pressures and fumbled the ball three times. Slowik and the Dolphins could have limited options available to them to improve their QB room this offseason, so it wouldn’t be surprising if Ewers did work his way into the starting lineup if the Fins are unable to land their preferred option at QB in free agency.

It’s not a typical source for us, but what Pauline is reporting aligns with the already widely-held belief that newly minted head coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, who were previously with the Packers, would pursue Willis in free agency. Pauline also notes that many believe Willis will ultimately sign with the Cardinals, who are expected to move on from Kyler Murray. Willis had a solid two-year stint with the Packers and flashed in limited action. So much so, that he’s expected to sign a multi-year deal this offseason and be the unquestioned QB1 for a team in 2026. Willis threw for 972-60-0 on 89 pass attempts in two seasons with the Packers while adding another 42-261-3 on the ground. Wherever he signs, his next team will hope the tremendous improvement he showed in a small sample size will translate into long-term success for him and their organization.

Kaboly went as far as saying the Steelers believed they had a deal done for Waddle before last season’s trade deadline. While adding another wide receiver to go along with D.K. Metcalf seems to be a priority for the Steelers, it ultimately takes two teams to make a trade. Pittsburgh’s pursuit of Waddle before last year’s trade deadline came up short and NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe reported on Friday that the Dolphins aren’t interested in trading Waddle this offseason. That could also be posturing by the Dolphins to get better trade offers. If truly available, Waddle will be one of the big names to watch at the NFL Combine next week.

This does not mean that other teams will not try to acquire him and RB De’Von Achane, but Waddle is currently valued as a core player. The Dolphins’ new front office has already begun releasing veterans and hopes to trade others, as they begin an organizational reset. Waddle, 27, is still a quality No. 1 wide receiver who can help develop a new, young quarterback. Keeping him makes sense.

This comes as no surprise. Achane, 24, and Waddle, 27, are core offensive players. The Dolphins recently released WRs Tyreek Hill and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and LB Bradley Chubb as they enter a youth-oriented rebuild. Wolfe echoed recent reports indicating that trade talks regarding QB Tua Tagovailoa and S Minkah Fitzpatrick could heat up at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Jones “didn’t just look like a starter in 2025 but someone who could lead an imperfect team.” Per Barrows, Quarterback-needy teams could be hoping that Jones becomes the next “Shanahan reclamation project” after watching Sam Darnold lead the Vikings to a 14-3 record in 2024 and the Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory in 2025. Darnold spent the 2023 season as a 49ers backup. The incoming rookie quarterback class is currently viewed as a thin group, which could spur teams to pursue Jones via a trade rather than rolling the dice on a questionable prospect. Barrows notes that the Dolphins, Cardinals and Vikings “are running Shanahan’s offense or something similar,” and views all three as potentially interested parties.

Fitzpatrick returned to Miami in 2025 as part of the deal that sent Jalen Ramsey to Pittsburgh. He appeared in 14 games, totaling six pass breakups and one interception. Fitzpatrick also added one sack and two fumble recoveries. The Dolphins have already made the decision to release Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb to save cap space. They will almost certainly take a deal to move Fitzpatrick if it gives them more ammunition in the draft. This is shaping up to be a true reset season for Miami.

Miami is among the teams expected to pursue Willis, a former third-round draft pick, this offseason. Willis showed great improvement over two seasons in Green Bay, spot starting in place of Jordan love a few times and appearing in 11 games as the Packers quarterback. Willis has connections to new Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley and new GM Jon-Eric Sullivan from their time with the Packers. “Let’s envision a scheme built around motion/movement, with play-action elements woven in; that would set up Willis well as a thrower, and the QB run game would generate conflict for opposing defenses,” Bowen said. “Willis’ development in Green Bay creates upside for the Dolphins.” Willis’ mobility and arm strength would certainly bring more upside to the Miami offense than departing starter Tua Tagovailoa.

This report comes on the heels of the Dolphins making several cost-cutting moves to their roster on Presidents’ Day. As Schultz notes, the team would prefer to trade Tagovailoa, but “a cut is possible in the end” if they are unable to find a suitor. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported last week that the Dolphins are willing to take on a portion of Tagovailoa’s contract to trade him to another team, but given the $54 million he’s guaranteed to earn this season, the team may be forced to release him and designate him as a post-June 1 cut. Tagovailoa threw for 2,660-20-15 in 14 games last season, struggling to adjust to life without Tyreek Hill (knee) who was injured in Week 4. While he could still be a serviceable starter in the right system, he’ll need to turn in a strong performance next season if he hopes to prove he can be a franchise QB elsewhere.