South Florida

What we said about the Dolphins as the season started. See 4 takeaways

Stories by Miami Herald journalists, with AI summarization

The articles share a focus on the Miami Dolphins as they navigate the start of the new season. They explore the team's quiet approach to free agency, questions about their roster depth, and mixed predictions for their performance. The discussion often returns to themes about quarterback position stability and defensive line needs.

The Dolphins began free agency quietly, re-signing Matt Dickerson and adding Zach Wilson as backup quarterback. Concerning the roster's depth, the team appears to lack a clear starter at several positions, with Tua Tagovailoa leading the quarterback spot while the team keeps an eye on possible draft picks or free agent additions. National outlets remain skeptical, predicting varied season finishes for the Dolphins, typically citing a lack of consistency and injury concerns as major factors. A first look at the Dolphins' depth chart reveals major competition at cornerback and safety positions. Storm Duck, a sophomore standout, and Ashtyn Davis occupy pivotal roles, though Davis's injury looms as a concern. In comparison, USA Today and Sports Illustrated predict challenging times ahead for Miami, with anticipated records of 5-12 and 6-11, respectively.

Miami Dolphins general manager Chris Grier and head coach Mike McDaniels attend the game between the Miami Heat and the New York Knicks in Game 3 of the NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals at the Kaseya Center in Miami on Saturday, May 6, 2023. By Al Diaz

NO. 1: WHERE DOLPHINS ROSTER AND DEPTH CHART STAND AT EVERY POSITION AND HOW TO FILL NEEDS

A look at Miami Dolphins depth chart at every position a week into free agency. | Published March 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Barry Jackson

Miami Dolphins General Manager Chris Grier (left) speaks to the media as Head Coach Mike McDaniel looks on during an end-of year press conference at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, in Miami, Fla. By D.A. Varela

NO. 2: DOLPHINS’ FIRST DAY OF FREE AGENCY PROVIDES LITTLE EXCITEMENT AS TEAM MAKES JUST TWO MOVES

Dolphins signed quarterback Zach Wilson and defensive tackle Matt Dickerson, a six-year veteran who appeared in just four games in 2024 and didn’t record a single stat. | Published March 10, 2025 | Read Full Story by C. Isaiah Smalls II

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) runs on the field during training camp at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. By Photo by Matias J. Ocner

NO. 3: WHERE DOES YOUR FAVORITE PLAYER LAND ON THE MIAMI DOLPHINS DEPTH CHART?

The Miami Dolphins released their first depth chart ahead of Sunday’s preseason opener against the Chicago Bears. | Published August 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by C. Isaiah Smalls II

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) prepares to pass the ball to wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) during the second half of their NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Florida. By David Santiago

NO. 4: NATIONAL OUTLETS PESSIMISTIC ABOUT DOLPHINS: HOW THEY’RE PREDICTED TO FINISH

The Dolphins haven’t exactly earned much trust by failing to win a playoff game in nearly a quarter century. | Published September 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by Barry Jackson

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.