This season is all about finding long-term options for the Miami Dolphins. Which players in-house are delivering with their play thus far?
The Miami Dolphins
are on the hunt. They're hunting wins, yes. But they're also seeking players to stake their flag in the ground as long-term answers. Most of those solutions feel likely to come from Miami's massive 2026 NFL Draft class.
But a handful of others can be seen assembling arguments to stay in South Florida beyond this season with their play. Here are three veteran players who have made a strong statement in the first month of the season to get extended opportunities with the Miami Dolphins.
Miami Dolphins CB JuJu Brents.Rich Storry-Imagn Images
Brents was one of the Miami Dolphins' best defenders in their 31-24 defeat at the hands of the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 5. His play against Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, came on the heels of Jeff Hafley challenging Brents after Week 3.
"I thought last week was the most physical I've seen (Brents) play," said Hafley. "I thought it was one of his better games. And I need him to build off that now and I need him to gain confidence. He's got size, he's got length and I felt like he used it the first time."
Brents is a 26-year old cornerback with a top-50 NFL Draft pedigree - he's just struggled with durability through his first three years in the league. He's on the field now and taking advantage of his opportunities. Brents' youth makes him a possible long-term bet and piece of the puzzle. But it is worth nothing that market value could be challenging to find. First thing is first for Brents: stay healthy and play well the rest of the way.
Uche turned 28 years old in September and is being given a crack at a prominent starting role for the first time in his career. He first came into the league as a pass rush specialist, then pin-balled around a few teams from 2024-2025.
He's been a respectable every down player, even if he hasn't rolled up big-time sack numbers like he did on his rookie contract in New England. Uche is probably best served in a rotational role, but he deserves credit for his efforts to be a more complete player. He's currently 53 snaps away from the most reps he's had in a single season since 2023.
A short term deal to keep this thing going as an established piece of the EDGE room could make a whole bunch of sense. If, of course, he continued to offer respectable play the rest of the way.
Did you notice Jarrett Kingston when he entered the Week 5 game to block Dexter Lawrence? If you did, I'd venture a bet to say you're a football sicko and you noticed for good reasons. Because Kingston came in cold against a mammoth player like Lawrence and certainly held his own. He's a restricted free agent this offseason and if he gets more spot playing time that looks like what he gave the Dolphins in Week 5? He should be back.
Kingston was a waiver wire add at the end of the preseason. An impressive debut with what will be next to no cost to bring back? The only thing that could talk me out of this one is Kingston playing more and struggling.
Miami Dolphins News
Kyle Crabbs September 10, 2026
This article was originally published on A to Z Sports. Read the full story here: Three Miami Dolphins playing their way towards deserving a contract extension in South Florida
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