The Miami Dolphins roster is in need of an infusion of talent. After the team released All-Pro wide receiver Tyreek Hill, alongside Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and James Daniels, the team remedied a portion of its salary cap issues heading into the 2026 season. They still have to make a decision on what they will do with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and his large contract.
The possibility that he is released instead of traded seems to be growing, despite the fact that it would result in the most dead money an NFL team has ever had for a single contract. However, once they figure out that situation, the team will likely be in better shape. Their salary cap situation in 2026 is bad, but that improves in 2027 when the team does not figure to have large contracts on its roster.
As a result, the Dolphins could still bring in free agents or sign some of their own players to large extensions. Unfortunately, it seems that an All-Pro player that had previously been seen as a fit for the Dolphins will not be joining the team.
Falcons Franchise-Tag Kyle Pitts
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported that the Atlanta Falcons were planning on using the franchise tag on Pro Bowl tight end Kyle Pitts. After a season in which Pitts set a new career-high with 88 receptions, he earned a second-team All-Pro selection as he was set to hit unrestricted free agency. However, the franchise tag will serve as a one-year, $15 million deal for Pitts to stay in Atlanta.
Pitts had previously been predicted to land with the Dolphins by Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay. Kay wrote, “After shipping off Jonnu Smith before the 2025 season kicked off, the Dolphins failed to generate reliable pass-catching production from their tight end spot. Neither Greg Dulcich nor Darren Waller stood out while splitting time as Miami’s primary receiving TE and the team now desperately needs to fill that hole this offseason.
While there are plenty of other question marks for the new Miami regime led by head coach Jeff Hafley to sort out, getting a potential game-changer like Pitts in the lineup could pay dividends.
Regardless of whether Tua Tagovailoa, Quinn Ewers or someone else ends up starting under center for Miami in 2026, Pitts should emerge as a favored target thanks to his excellent playmaking skills and ability to create mismatches all over the field.”
Miami Dolphins Tight Ends
Pitts is one of the premier receiving tight ends in the NFL, and this news prevents Miami from adding a much-needed playmaker of his skill set to the offense. Additionally, the status of the Dolphins’ tight ends from the 2025 season remains to be seen. Greg Dulcich, who had a strong end to the season, is set to be an unrestricted free agent.
Meanwhile, Darren Waller, who struggled with injuries but performed well when active, is also set to be a free agent. However, the former Pro Bowl tight end is also considering retirement. That would leave the Dolphins without any proven receiving tight end on the roster.
Dolphins Get Bad News Ahead of NFL Free Agency