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3 Dolphins cut candidates on chopping block entering 2026 NFL training camp
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- 3 Dolphins cut candidates on chopping block entering 2026 NFL training camp
3 Dolphins cut candidates on chopping block entering 2026 NFL training camp appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Miami Dolphins went full rebuild mode earlier this offseason. Miami brought in Jeff Hafley at head coach and began a new era by practically torching the entire roster. Now the Dolphins are free to rebuild the roster in Hafley's image brick by brick over the next several years. But every journey begins with a single step, and that step should be the 2026 season.
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Next up for Miami is training camp, which kicks off before most other NFL teams on July 21st. It will be Hafley's first opportunity to truly put his stamp on his new team. And an important opportunity to determine which players will stick around past the 2026 season.
Since Miami is a rebuilding team, it is difficult to determine which players they will value this season. Do the Dolphins go entirely with young players and build for the future? Or will they prioritize veterans who can provide a glimpse of what Hafley hopes to build in the future?
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Either way, Dolphins fans may end up being surprised by some of the team's roster cuts following training camp.
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Three Dolphins players could be on the chopping block headed into training camp later this month.
Will the Dolphins view Jalen Tolbert as valuable or expendable?
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Tolbert's range of outcomes heading into training camp is absolutely massive. He could easily become the team's leading receiver in 2026, or be cut at the end of training camp.
The former third-round pick easily has the best resume of any receiver on the roster. Though that is not saying too much.
Tolbert's best season came in 2024 when he logged 49 receptions for 610 receiving yards and seven touchdowns with the Cowboys. Miami needs to determine whether or not that production is replicable on their team, and specifically this season.
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Remember, the Dolphins do not have Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, or Micah Parsons. Those franchise players helped create a situation in which a role player like Tolbert could thrive in 2024. But in Miami, Tolbert would have to be the guy at wide receiver.
If Miami does decide to cut Tolbert it could be because they drafted so many rookies.
The Dolphins drafted Caleb Douglas, Chris Bell, and Kevin Coleman during the 2026 NFL Draft . They may with to see what they've got in each player instead of relying on veteran talent. Though Bell could be in for a redshirt season after his November ACL injury .
Tolbert could also simply lose a training camp battle with other receivers like Tutu Atwell, Malik Washington, and Terrace Marshall Jr.
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It will be fascinating to see what Miami thinks of him during training camp.
The Dolphins won't cut Tyrel Dodson… right?
Just like Tolbert, Dodson has a huge range of outcomes. But unlike Tolbert, Dodson has a great chance to have a big role in 2026.
Hafley inherits Dodson from the previous regime and could very well make him the "green dot" leader on defense. But that depends on a few important factors.
Dodson will need to show he understands Hafley's defensive scheme to win a starting job. He may also need to display leadership skills to cement his future on Miami's defense.
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It is also possible that Miami leans on rookie talent, especially considering the draft capital they invested at off-ball linebacker. The Dolphins spent a second-round pick on Jacob Rodriguez and a fourth-round pick on Kyle Louis.
Dodson is on an expiring contract , so parting ways with him would not be too painful.
The pressure will be on Dodson to earn his place on Miami's defense early during training camp. Things could get ugly if he gets off to a slow start, or if Rodriguez looks like a stud who shouldn't be sitting on the bench.
Storm Duck's time in Miami could come to an end soon
© Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
It's hard to hate on a player with an excellent name like Storm Duck. But the deck may be stacked against him becoming a part of this new Dolphins regime.
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One big reason is health concerns. Duck suffered a season-ending knee injury late in October of 2025. That injury lingered into the offseason, limiting his availability during both OTAs and minicamp because of his rehab process.
As a result, Duck's availability during the early days of training camp should be incredibly important.
Plus, there's the fact that Miami's new coaching staff may look to build around "their guys" and Duck is not one of them. Remember, Miami spent a first-round pick on Chris Johnson, which makes him undeniably one of "their guys."
The most likely way that Duck gets cut before the regular season is if his knee injury is worse than expected. Or if he's clearly lost a step following his knee injury.
Dolphins fans need to prepare for a future without Duck.
