South Florida

Let's look back at how the Miami Dolphins were doing last season

Stories by Miami Herald journalists, with AI summarization

The articles focus on how the Miami Dolphins manage their roster through status reports, depth chart moves, and salary cap issues. They discuss player availability, injuries, and the team's approach to draft and free agency.

One storyline tracks Tua Tagovailoa’s need to prove himself as a reliable starting quarterback who can play a full season and lead the team in the playoffs. Another discusses the uncertainty at tight end, where no one has secured the starting job after the departure of key contributors and missed opportunities to sign top free agents. There are references to how the Dolphins handled veteran injuries, such as Kendall Fuller’s concussion protocol status and Jaelan Phillips’ recovery. The team's efforts to keep spending low while addressing roster gaps are noted, such as the signing and setback of offensive guard James Daniels. Further, the front office faces pressure to add depth at positions like safety and guard with limited cap space, while also addressing rumors about possible trades involving core players like Jaylen Waddle and Bradley Chubb.

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (3) and wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) celebrate Tyreek’s TD in the end zone in the second half during their NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on Monday, November 11, 2024. By PHOTO BY AL DIAZ

NO. 1: DOLPHINS MAKE CHANGE ON OFFENSE. AND HILL ADDRESSES INJURY. AND 15 NOTES AND THOUGHTS

Dolphins make change in running game, and offseason pickups deliver. And Hill weighs in. | Published November 12, 2024 | Read Full Story by Barry Jackson

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel looks on reacts in the first half of their NFL game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla

NO. 2: DOLPHINS’ MCDANIEL UPDATES STATUS OF INJURED PLAYERS, DECISIONS ON LINEUP CHANGES, POYER

Dolphins’ McDaniel updates situations with Fuller, Chubb, Goode and other issues | Published November 20, 2024 | Read Full Story by Barry Jackson

Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross talks with Dolphins general manager Chris Grier before the start of their NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. By David Santiago

NO. 3: KELLY: DOLPHINS HAVE BELT-TIGHTENING TO DO TO GO FREE AGENT SHOPPING | OPINION

Terron Armstead restructuring his contract creates nearly $14 million in cap space for the Dolphins, but this team needs much more to improve the roster. | Published March 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Omar Kelly

Miami Dolphins tight end Julian Hill (89) runs for yardage as New York Jets cornerback Brandin Echols (26) defends in the first half of their NFL football game at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Sunday, December 8, 2024.

NO. 4: DOLPHINS FACE CONUNDRUM AT TIGHT END. AND ANOTHER ‘24 INTERNAL ISSUE REVEALED

Some quick Dolphins notes and thoughts on their only off day this week: | Published July 31, 2025 | Read Full Story by Barry Jackson

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) walks off the field after suffering a concussion in a play against the Buffalo Bills in the second half of their NFL game at Hard Rock Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. By MATIAS J. OCNER

NO. 5: COTE: DOLPHINS CAN BE SURPRISE TEAM — IF TUA FINALLY PROVES HIMSELF | OPINION

How good is the Miami Dolphins’ starting quarterback? | Published August 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Greg Cote

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel walks the sideline before an NFL game against the New York Jets at Hard Rock Stadium on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. By PHOTO BY DAVID SANTIAGO

NO. 6: DOLPHINS’ MCDANIEL, WEAVER ADDRESS PERSONNEL. AND MCDANIEL ON ‘BASELESS’ RUMORS

Except for safety Elijah Campbell, the Dolphins will have every player on their 53-man roster available when they visit the Cleveland Browns on Sunday (1 p.m., CBS 4). | Published October 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Barry Jackson

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel watches his team warm up before their NFL game against the Carolina Panthers at the Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. By Photo by Matias J. Ocner

NO. 7: KELLY: UNFORTUNATELY, THESE DOLPHINS HAVEN’T HIT ROCK BOTTOM YET | OPINION

You’re supposed to learn as much in the valley as you do at the peak of success. | Published October 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Omar Kelly

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.