A seismic shift in philosophy is already yielding early dividends for the Miami Dolphins, as the franchise capitalizes on its new front office’s connections and a calculated, low-risk strategy to address critical roster needs. The first tangible moves of a pivotal offseason have arrived, signaling a clear departure from past practices and setting the stage for a transformative period.
The Dolphins announced Friday the signing of former New York Jets tight end Zack Kuntz to a futures contract, a minor transaction with potentially major implications. Kuntz, a 2023 seventh-round pick, stands at a staggering 6-foot-8 and possesses rare athleticism for his size, but saw only minimal action in two games over two seasons with the Jets. His acquisition represents the exact type of high-ceiling, low-cost gamble the new regime is expected to prioritize.
With several Dolphins tight ends headed for free agency, Kuntz provides a cost-controlled developmental project with an elite physical blueprint. The move involves negligible financial risk while allowing Miami’s coaching staff to attempt to unlock the potential that made him a combine standout. It is a textbook example of the roster-building philosophy now taking hold.
Simultaneously, a far more consequential storyline is developing at the game’s most important position. A potential reunion between the Dolphins and free agent quarterback Malik Willis is gaining credible traction within league circles. Willis, 26, is intimately familiar to a large contingent of Miami’s new leadership, including General Manager Yan Eric Sullivan and Head Coach Jeff Hafley, whose arrivals have dubbed the organization “Green Bay South.”
Willis, who spent the last two seasons with the Packers, offers a dynamic skill set of arm strength and mobility starkly different from incumbent Tua Tagovailoa. The Dolphins appear prepared to move on from Tagovailoa, likely via release if a trade cannot be found, creating a glaring vacancy under center. Willis seeks an opportunity to compete for a starting role, and Miami’s decision-makers have firsthand knowledge of his capabilities and character.
Any pursuit of Willis would require creatively structured, incentive-laden contracts to navigate Miami’s precarious 2026 salary cap situation, complicated by significant dead money from previous deals. The Dolphins’ stated mandate to avoid expensive short-term commitments until a foundation is built creates tension, but Willis’s unique profile and connections make him a compelling, if not straightforward, target for the franchise’s future.
Further amplifying the offensive overhaul, the Dolphins have emerged as a logical potential destination for star wide receiver Deebo Samuel should he reach free agency in 2026. Samuel, who played for the Washington Commanders last season, shares a history with new Miami offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, who was the pass game specialist for the San Francisco 49ers during Samuel’s All-Pro 2021 campaign.
While Samuel may no longer be at his statistical peak, he remains a proven, physical playmaker who would immediately address a looming need in Miami’s receiver corps. His contract with Washington guarantees him through 2025, setting the stage for possible free agency next year. The combination of roster fit, offensive scheme familiarity, and a trusted coach could make Miami an attractive suitor, contingent on managing the financial implications of another major contract.
These interconnected developments—a dart-throw on raw talent, a potential franchise quarterback change rooted in familiarity, and the specter of a premium weapon—illustrate the multifaceted challenge facing the Dolphins’ new hierarchy. Every decision is now scrutinized through the dual lenses of immediate competitive impact and long-term strategic signaling.
The acquisition of Zack Kuntz is a minor opening act, but it underscores a willingness to mine for undervalued assets. The Malik Willis scenario represents the high-stakes gamble that could define the era, balancing known upside against significant investment and on-field proof. The Deebo Samuel possibility highlights the ongoing effort to surround whatever quarterback emerges with elite talent, despite cap constraints.
This trio of narratives confirms that Miami’s offseason is anything but quiet. A profound transition is underway, moving beyond incremental tweaks toward a fundamental reshaping of the roster. The philosophy is clear: prioritize flexibility, leverage insider knowledge, and take calculated risks on talent. The execution of that philosophy, beginning with these early maneuvers, will determine whether the Dolphins can construct a contender capable of lasting success.
The organization stands at a crossroads, armed with a new blueprint and facing a series of defining choices. The direction is becoming evident, and the football world is watching closely as the first pieces of this ambitious puzzle are put into place. The results of these early moves will reverberate throughout the AFC East and set the tone for the future in Miami.
