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Dolphins' 0-5 Start Could Trigger Fire Sale Before Trade Deadline
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- Dolphins' 0-5 Start Could Trigger Fire Sale Before Trade Deadline
The Miami Dolphins are already looking ahead to the NFL trade deadline — and with a 0-5 record, they have little reason to hold on to their veterans.
Less than a month from the deadline, we're starting to learn which teams are contenders and which are pretenders heading into Week 6.
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The Dolphins, tied with the Los Angeles Chargers and Tennessee Titans for the league's worst record, certainly fall into the latter category.
With their record and in the first year of a rebuild under coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, the Dolphins will likely be sellers at the deadline. Players such as defensive tackle Zach Sieler, right tackle Austin Jackson and Josh Uche could be moved, according to CBS Sports' Carter Bahns.
"There are early signs of one existing in standout first-year linebacker Jacob Rodriguez and rookie wide receivers Caleb Douglas and Chris Bell, but Miami needs another big draft like the 13-pick haul it put together this past spring," Bahns wrote. "While it lacks a volume of tradeable veterans and will have a hard time receiving Day 1 or Day 2 capital in return, there are a couple who could help the Dolphins pile up selections in the later rounds.
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"Jackson is off to a rough start as the 71st-rated offensive tackle among 72 qualifiers, per PFF, but tackles are always in demand. He would be an affordable half-season rental. Sieler, at 31, is much older than the defensive pieces the Dolphins plan to build around. Uche is the strongest candidate of the three to re-sign with Miami, but even that is no guarantee."
Sieler has zero guaranteed money remaining following the 2026 season.
Sieler would likely command the biggest return for the Dolphins. In five games this season, he has registered 12 tackles and two sacks. During his eight seasons in Miami, Sieler has recorded 365 tackles and 37.5 sacks.
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With no guaranteed money remaining on his contract after the 2026 season, the Dolphins could release Sieler next offseason. Ideally, they'd like at least an early Day 3 pick, possibly from a contending team that needs interior defensive help.
Jackson and Uche are both free agents after the season, so they'll likely generate fifth- to seventh-round picks.
As the losses continue to pile up, so does the pressure on Miami to turn its veterans into future assets. The Dolphins may not have much to sell, but with the Nov. 10 trade deadline approaching, they have little reason not to listen.
This story was originally published by Athlon on Oct 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
