The Miami Dolphins will continue to have to make moves to build their cap space back up.
The NFL announced that all clubs would get a record $301 million to work with in 2026, which is a $22 million jump from the 2025 season.
While this is huge news for most teams, the Dolphins did not get a big boost with the updated number.
The reason for the reset in South Florida is that the Dolphins were so used to handing out big contracts with little success that now they find themselves in a situation where they cannot benefit from the new updated cap number.
Per overthecap.com, the Dolphins remain in the green, but only have an available $772,000 to work with.
General manager Jon-Eric Sullivan still had to make several moves like releasing wide receivers Tyreek Hill, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, and guard James Daniels. Bradley Chubb is also set to be released, but that has not formally happened.
The front office is likely taking a bit more time to determine if he will be a pre- or post-June 1 cut, which changes the cap savings for the Dolphins.
Either way, Miami will still not have a ton of money to work with, and they will also need to have something along the lines of $6-$8 million to sign all the draftees that are taken.
There is also the looming decision on Tua Tagovailoa. The Dolphins cannot eat the $99.2 million he will trigger if they cut him, and the $54 million guaranteed will also sting.
Simply put, Sullivan will continue to have to make moves to ensure the Dolphins can at least afford their rookies when the 2026 NFL Draft concludes and contracts are sent out.
Even with $301 million, the Dolphins find themselves in a tough spot brought on by past regimes, which is why they finally hit the reset button in 2026.
Sullivan took on the job knowing very well that he would have to do some heavy cap gymnastics to ensure the team could manage the 2026 season. Multiple releases were already done, and expect more to happen.
There are also trades that could happen, such as safety Minkah Fitzpatrick finding a new home.
While wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and running back De'Von Achane have been listed in trade talks, Sullivan indicated they are building blocks to be used for the future.
Still, if the Dolphins can shed their contracts while picking up huge draft capital, it would not be shocking if either or both are moved.
There was always going to be some ugliness in 2026 due to the cap hell the Dolphins find themselves in, and even a boosted $301 million limit cannot bail them out.