As the 2026 NFL season kicks off, some folks in league circles are already whispering if the Miami Dolphins are trying to lose games, yet again. It feels tempting to think they are just letting nature take its course, especially when you consider the sheer financial chaos rocking that franchise. We’re talking about Miami carrying nearly $183 million in dead money right now, a staggering sum that’s wreaking havoc on their cap.
Back to the Future, Miami Style?
This isn’t the first time the tanking rumors have swirled around South Beach. Just seven years ago, back in 2019, the Dolphins were seemingly trying to lose. And yeah, owner Stephen Ross allegedly even offered former coach Brian Flores a cool $100,000 for each game he lost, all in a bid to get in position to draft Joe Burrow. True or not, that memory makes the current whispers about them trying to tank all over again hit different. It’s a rough look, no doubt.
A Pile of Poultry Poo, Financially Speaking
Look, maybe they’re not *trying* to lose, but it sure feels like they’re trying to make “chicken salad from a rancid pile of poultry poo.” The aftermath of the Tua Tagovailoa contract is absolutely gutting their salary cap for both 2026 and 2027. They’ve got a wild $55.4 million counting this year for a guy who isn’t even there anymore. On top of that, they shelled out three years and $67.5 million for quarterback Malik Willis and paid running back De’Von Achane, who they didn’t even trade. That’s a lot of cash going to players not exactly making an impact where it counts this season.
The Mess They’re Trying to Fix
Despite the financial headache and the possibility of losing plenty of games, there’s another perspective. The Dolphins have cleared out the players they felt were part of the problem in recent years. They’re trying to build around guys who are on board with their “new culture.” So, while the present may not look promising at all, the organization claims they’re laying a foundation for the future. They aren’t actively trying to drop games, they say; they’re simply trying to fix the colossal mess they’re in.
It’s a tough spot for Miami. The immediate future for the Dolphins might be bleak, but they are clearly betting on a long-term plan, trying to emerge from this dead money nightmare down the road.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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