Kelly: Miami Dolphins’ biggest bargains in 2026 | Opinion
Every NFL team needs players who provide significant bang for their buck to balance out the finances.
The Miami Dolphins seemingly intend to build an entire roster of them in 2026 as they shoulder the salary cap hit of nearly half a dozen big salary starters whom the team has since moved on from.
On a roster that features 30 veterans who signed for the NFL minimum, or just a smidgen above it this offseason, there should be a ton of bargains if general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan has a keen eye for talent, and head coach Jeff Hafley and his staff know how to develop players.
Here’s a look at the 10 best value deals on the Dolphins factoring in base salaries, signing bonuses and roster bonuses.
If you missed the ranking of the Dolphins’ 10 highest-paid salaries it can find it here.
CB Juju Brents — $1.87 million
The Dolphins claimed Brents off the waiver wire last August because the Indianapolis Colts, who drafted him in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, could no longer rely on him staying healthy. He eventually worked his way up Miami’s depth chart and had two solid starts before sustaining a season-ending foot injury. It’s clear that there’s ability there, but Brents needs to find a way to keep himself on the field in the final year of his rookie deal. If he proves he’s a legitimate NFL starter this season he could easily triple this season’s salary.
OT Patrick Paul — $1.42 million
This 2024 second-round pick’s game took a massive jump from Year 1 to Year 2. Paul started every game, allowing four sacks and 25 pressures, committing seven penalties and was a force in Miami’s run game, which paved the way for 2,044 rushing yards and 4.7 yards per carry. Paul will be eligible for a contract extension next offseason, and if he replicates the type of season he had in 2025 it could be worth a $100 million contract based on how offensive tackles are being paid today.
WR Jalen Tolbert — $1.4 million
The Dolphins paid or guaranteed Tolbert $1.07 million of his 2025 salary to convince the fifth-year veteran to sign with Miami. Tolbert, who is 27, is entering a prove-it situation because he’s a candidate to become quarterback Malik Willis’ primary target in Miami’s passing game.
Edge Josh Uche — $1.4 million
Like Tolbert, the Dolphins guaranteed a little more than $1 million of his one-year deal to sell Uche that Miami was his best choice as a free agent this offseason. Uche, a South Florida native, received $187,500 in a signing bonus and will make $1.21 million in base salary.
Edge David Ojabo — $1.4 million
Ojabo received similar contracts to Tolbert and Uche, the only difference was he didn’t receive $1 million in guaranteed money. All the unproven edge defender received from the Dolphins is a $187,500 signing bonus. That means he will need to earn a spot on the 53-man roster by excelling in training camp and the exhibition season.
OLB Willie Gay Jr. — $1.4 million
Gay, a six-year veteran who has started 57 NFL games, received the standard minimum based salary from Miami, which was intentionally scaling back the team’s payroll. But unlike Uche and Tolbert, only $500,000 of his one-year contract was guaranteed.
OG Jonah Savaiinaea — $1.35 million
As the Dolphins’ 2025 second-round pick, Savaiinaea received a four-year, fully guaranteed contract worth $11.6 million, which will seem like a bargain if he turns to the corner and becomes a reliable NFL starting offensive guard. Based on last season’s performance, where the former Arizona standout was rated one of the NFL’s worst offensive guards in 2025, it seems as if he has a long journey ahead of him.
CB Ethan Bonner — $1.14 million
The Dolphins retained Bonner as a restricted free agent by offering him a minimum salary tender this offseason. Bonner, who contributed 15 tackles, one interception, recovered one fumble and broke up two passes in his 90 defensive snaps last season, will compete with Jason Marshall Jr. and other veteran cornerbacks to determine who starts on the boundary this season.
FS Dante Trader Jr. — $1.05 million
Trader, the Dolphins’ 2025 fifth-round pick, will likely become the starting free safety if he can stay healthy, and continues to showcase the kind of growth we saw this past offseason. He’s in the second year of his rookie deal, which means he will have to play two more seasons before he’s eligible for a contract extension. But he’s potentially in line for playing time salary escalators if he serves as a full season starter for the Dolphins.
CB Jason Marshall Jr. — $1.05 million
Marshall is in the second season of his rookie deal, which has him locked in until 2028 for less than $1.3 million a season until playing time escalators kick in. However, Marshall, who contributed 23 tackles, one interception and four pass breakups last season, would have to become a starter or rotational player for that to happen.
