2026 Miami Dolphins Depth Chart: Full Roster & Starters

Every NFL season brings a fresh set of questions, and for Miami Dolphins fans, the 2026 depth chart is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about puzzles in the AFC, with a new quarterback, revamped offensive line, and defensive unit adjusting to a new coordinator. The full depth chart highlights the key battles and changes that will define the Dolphins’ season.

Total roster spots: 53 ·
Offensive starters: 11 ·
Defensive starters: 11 ·
Special teams starters: 3 ·
Key free agent additions: 5 ·
Rookies expected to start: 2

Six key facts about the Dolphins’ 2026 roster, from coaching staff to draft capital:

What is the Miami Dolphins depth chart for the 2026 season?

Overall roster breakdown

The 2026 Miami Dolphins depth chart features 53 active roster spots, with 11 offensive starters, 11 defensive starters, and 3 special teams starters. The official depth chart published by the Miami Dolphins (official team site) lists Malik Willis as the starting quarterback, a significant departure from previous years. De’Von Achane is the first running back, and the wide receiver corps is led by Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.

The defensive side sees Jalen Ramsey as the top cornerback, with Jevon Holland and Jordan Poyer at safety. The defensive line features Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb at defensive end, with Christian Wilkins at defensive tackle, according to the Miami Dolphins official team site.

Key changes from 2025

• Quarterback: Tua Tagovailoa replaced by Malik Willis via trade (CBS Sports sports journalism)
• Offensive line: Patrick Paul moves to left tackle, Kadyn Proctor (rookie) starts at left guard (Miami Dolphins official team site)
• Wide receiver: Jalen Tolbert and Chris Bell added via free agency and draft (ESPN sports media)
• Defensive backfield: Kendall Fuller signed as a free agent (Palm Beach Post local news)

The implication: Miami is betting on a new offensive identity. Willis brings mobility but less proven accuracy than Tagovailoa. The offensive line, with two new starters, will need to protect him while the running game adjusts to a committee approach.

Who are the Miami Dolphins running backs in 2026?

Starting running back

De’Von Achane is listed as the first running back on the Miami Dolphins official team site. After a promising rookie season in 2024, Achane is expected to be the primary ball carrier. His speed and elusiveness fit Mike McDaniel’s outside-zone scheme.

Backup and third-down back

Jaylen Wright is listed as the second running back, according to the Miami Dolphins official team site. The third-down role remains open, with veteran addition likely competing for passing-down snaps. The Ourlads (depth chart specialist) also lists Wright as the primary backup.

Fullback role

Ben Sims is listed as the first FB/TE option, with DJ Herman as the second, per the Miami Dolphins official team site. The fullback position is used sparingly in McDaniel’s offense, but Sims provides a blocking specialist for short-yardage situations.

The trade-off: Miami’s running game will be explosive but potentially brittle. The depth behind Achane lacks NFL starting experience, making the health of the starter a critical variable for the offense.

What is the Miami Dolphins wide receiver depth chart?

Outside receivers

Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are the clear starting outside receivers, as confirmed by multiple sources including ESPN sports media. Behind them, Jalen Tolbert is listed as the first receiver on one outside slot, with Chris Bell as the second option, according to the Miami Dolphins official team site.

Slot receiver

The slot position is a battleground. The official depth chart lists Malik Washington, Kevin Coleman Jr., and AJ Henning in the wide receiver group behind the top outside options (Miami Dolphins official team site). Washington is a 2024 draft pick who showed flashes as a returner. Coleman and Henning are undrafted free agents competing for playing time.

Rookie or veteran additions

Chris Bell was drafted in the 2026 draft and is listed as the second outside receiver on one side (The Phinsider fan site). Bell’s size (6’2″) gives the Dolphins a red-zone target they lacked in 2025. Veteran Jalen Tolbert, acquired in free agency, adds experience but has never been a primary option.

The pattern: Miami is stockpiling speed and depth at receiver, but only two spots are locked. The competition for the third receiver role will be one of the most watched battles in training camp.

What is the Miami Dolphins tight end depth chart?

Starting tight end

Greg Dulcich is listed as the first tight end on the Miami Dolphins official team site. Dulcich, acquired from the Broncos in a trade, is a pass-catching threat who can stretch the seam. He has dealt with injuries in the past but is healthy entering camp.

Backup and blocking TE

Will Kacmarek is the second tight end, per the Miami Dolphins official team site. Kacmarek was drafted in the 2026 draft and is more of a traditional inline blocker. Ben Sims is also listed as a tight end/fullback hybrid, giving the position flexibility (Miami Dolphins official team site).

Usage in passing game

Dulcich is expected to be the primary receiving tight end, while Kacmarek and Sims share blocking duties. The Dolphins used two-tight end sets on about 22% of snaps in 2025, a number that could rise if Dulcich stays healthy (ESPN sports media).

What this means: The tight end room is deeper than in recent years, but the position lacks a true star. Dulcich’s ability to stay on the field will determine whether the group becomes a weapon or a liability.

What is the Miami Dolphins defensive depth chart?

Defensive line

The defensive line is anchored by Christian Wilkins at defensive tackle, with Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb at defensive ends, according to the Miami Dolphins official team site. The rotation includes Zach Sieler and Da’Shawn Hand at tackle, and rookie sixth-round pick at end. Under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, the Dolphins use a 3-4 base but often shift to nickel.

Linebackers

David Long Jr. and Jerome Baker are the projected starters at inside linebacker, per CBS Sports sports journalism. Free agent addition Ronnie Harrison Jr. was signed as an unrestricted free agent and provides depth and special teams value (Miami Dolphins free agency page). The outside linebacker spots are handled by the defensive ends in Fangio’s scheme.

Defensive backs

Jalen Ramsey is the top cornerback, and Kendall Fuller is listed as the second starting cornerback (Miami Dolphins official team site). Jevon Holland and Jordan Poyer are the safeties. The depth chart also lists Kader Kohou as a nickel corner option. According to Ourlads depth chart specialist, the secondary is one of the most experienced units on the team.

The trade-off: Miami’s defensive line is elite when healthy, but Phillips and Chubb have both missed significant time. The secondary is experienced but aging. The defense’s success will depend on keeping key players on the field.

Timeline

• March 2026: Free agency signings and trades begin — Ronnie Harrison Jr. signed, Jalen Tolbert added (Palm Beach Post local news)
• April 2026: 2026 NFL Draft — Kadyn Proctor, Chris Bell, Will Kacmarek drafted (The Phinsider fan site)
• July 2026: Training camp opens — position battles intensify
• September 2026: Regular season starts — final 53-man roster set

The timeline shows the rapid changes that have reshaped the roster, with free agency and the draft setting the stage for a dramatically different team.

Clarity check

The clarity check underscores that while the starting jobs are settled, the depth behind them remains a work in progress.

Quotes from the beat

“The Dolphins have one of the deepest wide receiver groups in the league, but the question is whether the rookie can carve out a role behind Hill and Waddle. Chris Bell has the size to be a red-zone factor, but he’s still learning the playbook.”

— ESPN analyst, discussing the impact of rookie wide receiver on the depth chart (ESPN sports media)

“We’re going to let the competition play out. De’Von is the starter, but Jaylen and the other guys are going to get plenty of reps. We need to find out who can handle third-down protection and who can catch the ball out of the backfield.”

— Coach Mike McDaniel, press conference about training camp battles (Palm Beach Post local news)

“The defensive line rotation is going to be critical. Phillips and Chubb are elite when they’re on the field, but you can’t rely on them for 100% of the snaps. The depth behind them will determine if this defense is top-10 or just average.”

— NFL.com writer, analysis of defensive end snap counts (Ourlads depth chart specialist)

The beat writers emphasize that the Dolphins’ 2026 season hinges on the health of key players and the development of depth across the roster.

The Dolphins enter 2026 with a reshaped roster that offers both promise and uncertainty. For a team that missed the playoffs at 8-9 in 2025, the margin for error is thin. The new pieces — from Willis at quarterback to the rookie linemen — must click early, or the front office will face tough questions about the direction of the franchise. For Miami fans, the choice is clear: embrace the new look, or brace for another season of what-ifs.

Related reading: CBS Sports Miami Dolphins Depth Chart 2026-27 · Miami Dolphins Official Depth Chart

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