The Miami Dolphins have received strong praise for one of their sleeper NFL offseason moves.
The Miami Dolphins are not expected to be anywhere close to a contender during the upcoming 2026 NFL season.
After an offseason full of major changes, the Dolphins may be entering a rebuild. They moved on from head coach Mike McDaniel and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, replacing them with Jeff Hafley and Malik Willis.
Outside of those major changes, Miami went through front office changes. The team also opted to trade star wide receiver Jaylen Waddle.
While the upcoming season is expected to be a rough year from a win-loss perspective, the Dolphins also made a few additions that have drawn praise. A surprising choice was made for what Miami's best offseason move ended up being.
ESPN's Bill Barnwell shared his belief that the free agency signing of pass rusher Joshua Uche was the team's best offseason addition.
"Uche is still only 27, and he has had success at one of the league's most important positions. Even in those limited snaps with the Eagles last year, Uche showed surprising power to drive tackles backward, especially given that he's listed at only 227 pounds," Barnwell wrote.
"There probably isn't a superstar in the making here, but Uche could be a useful player if given the opportunity, both now and for several years to come. That's a good bet to make, especially given that he'll make just $1.4 million in 2026."
Uche began his NFL career with an AFC East rival of the Dolphins. He was drafted with the No. 60 overall pick in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots.
After playing his first four and a half year with the Patriots, Uche was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs. He then signed with the Philadelphia Eagles for the 2025 season.
Throughout his six-year NFL career thus far, the 27-year-old defensive end has played in 76 total games. He has recorded 109 total tackles to go along with 21.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and a defended pass.
There is a chance that Uche won't develop into being a key piece for Miami. Or, he could end up being one of the sleeper steals of the offseason.
Only time will tell, but Barnwell clearly likes the pickup for the Dolphins.
