Lack of Depth is a Major Issue for 2026 Miami Dolphins

Lack of Depth is a Major Issue for 2026 Miami Dolphins

When Jon-Eric Sullivan and Jeff Hafley first took over the Dolphins in January, their plan for reshaping the franchise was pretty clear.

Their goal was to get rid of expensive veterans, even if it meant taking a hard cap hit for their first season in charge.

Doing business like that resulted in the team spending over $160 million in cap space on players who are no longer on the roster.

That means the majority of this year’s squad are rookies, second-year players, inexpensive veterans on short-term deals, and others looking for diamonds in the rough.

With an approach like that, you are bound to be light on depth, as most of the backups on the roster are cast-offs from other franchises or even taking a shot on undrafted rookies or players from other teams’ practice squads.

The team’s true lack of depth was evident on Friday night in the preseason opener against Washington.

While Miami’s starters on offense looked like they belonged and should be at least an adequate group, the backups behind them offered little hope that, if any injuries strike, the bottom could fall out this year.

The lack of depth was everywhere, with poor quarterback play as both former seventh-round pick Quinn Ewers and undrafted rookie Cam Miller struggled mightily.

It was not entirely their fault, as they did not have much help around them; there is not much talent on the second-string offensive line or among the skill positions, aside from the running back spot.

I mean, look at Ewers and Miller were throwing too.

There were names like A.J. Henning, Terrace Marshall Jr. and others.

While those players have potential, they are more likely bound for a practice squad on the top teams in this league, but for Miami they could find a role on the 53-man roster out of necessity.

The same could be said for the offensive line and some groups on defense.

That is where Miami’s depth on the roster is right now.

Fortunately for the Dolphins, the starters appear capable of handling themselves and making the team competitive in 2026.

However, if and when injuries arise, the season could turn sour for Miami.

And fast.

In that case, Sullivan should scour the waiver wire after training camp cuts happen to see which players from other franchises could contribute and make a bigger impact on the 53-man roster than those who are currently here, because the players that are currently here are not good enough to be on an NFL roster.