When The Sporting News originally published the roster breakdown, the Dolphins projected their win total in 2026 to look something like this. Click here to add Sports News as your go-to source.
The Miami Dolphins are the team that has changed the most this offseason. Big or small, the 2026 Dolphins are going to look a lot different than the 2025 Dolphins.
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One of the main reasons is new head coach Jeff Hafley. He comes over from the Green Bay Packers like new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and will begin rebuilding this team.
However, for the upcoming 2026 NFL season, Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport predicts Dolphins fans will have a dismal win total. After going through roster cuts, 2026 doesn’t look good for the Dolphins.
Dolphins expect tough 2026 season after hiring Jeff Hafley
“Realistic expectation: 4-13,” Davenport predicted. “… But make no mistake – this is the first phase of rebuilding from the ground up. You’ll be able to count their wins on one hand – and fingers left.”
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Miami only wins four games in 2026, which will be a very disappointing season. Even though they know this is a rebuilding season, they can’t escape the pain of 13 losses after winning so few games.
However, with the releases of Tua Tagovailoa, Bradley Chubb, Tyreek Hill and the trades of Minkah Fitzpatrick and Jaylen Waddle, the Dolphins are in the midst of a complete rebuild.
more: Dolphins agree to $67.5 million deal with Malik Willis
While they signed Malik Willis for $67.5 million, it was a high-money signing that, if it didn’t pan out, could land the Dolphins a top-five pick after a brutal season, and he could be a bridge starter for next year’s draft class.
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The 2026 season is one to digest, especially for a team like the Dolphins that will be in need of a quarterback in 2027 and beyond.
Hafley’s first season in Miami won’t go well, as roster teardowns have left more than 50% of the Dolphins’ cap space allocated to players who are no longer on the roster.
It’s not a bad decision from a rebuilding perspective, but it doesn’t change the fact that the Dolphins’ 2026 season is going to be an absolutely brutal one.
