MIAMI GARDENS ― The most prudent thing Miami Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan can do now is nothing.
Sullivan knows he’s about to get some salary cap relief after June 1.
Sullivan must know there is absolutely no need to add an even somewhat-costly veteran.
Nope. Let the kids play. Sink or swim.
What was it Bill Parcells famously said? “If they don’t bite when they’re puppies, they usually won’t bite.” Let’s let the puppies fight.
Wins and losses pale in comparison to setting the right tone and culture for first-year coach Jeff Hafley in 2026. And figuring out who will be a part of the next step.
The Dolphins do not need to sign a wide receiver who might take any practice reps or game-day snaps ― any at all ― from young players like Malik Washington, Caleb Douglas, Kevin Coleman, Tahj Washington, Chris Bell (when healthy). There is absolutely no need.
The Dolphins do not need to sign a defensive back who might take any practice reps or game-day snaps ― any at all ― from young players like Chris Johnson, Jason Marshall, JuJu Brents, Ethan Bonner, Storm Duck, Dante Trader, Louis Moore and Michael Taaffe. Absolutely no need.
These Dolphins are all learning a new staff and a new scheme ― together.
It’s not like Miami needs some 29-33 year-olds to help the younger players figure out what to do. These coaches are going to make sure they know what to do ― and will hold them accountable to be professionals.
At the moment, the Dolphins have 41 players ― forty one!!! ― aged 24 of younger.
This is like a collection of kindergarten and 1st graders.
And that’s no a bad thing. Miami is starting all over.
Miami Dolphins news: Salary cap relief is coming
Miami has moved on from older or aging stars or big-name players with big egos and bad habits.
Bradley Chubb was neither particularly old nor a player with a big ego or bad habits. But Miami’s decision to move on from him for financial reasons will free up about $20 million after June 1.
Some of that will go to sign the large rookie class. Some of the can be saved.
Sullivan seems likely to save it for an emergency roster replacement on a rainy Miami day that is sure to come. It always does.
The Dolphins have one of the very youngest rosters in NFL. And it would be ideal if they in fact kick off the 2026 season with the youngest 53-man roster in the entire league.
Who can young Dolphins look to as veteran role models if necessary?
We say Aaron Brewer, Austin Jackson (if and when he’s healthy), Zach Sieler and Jordyn Brooks, to start. Brewer, Sieler and Brooks are the three holdover captains.
We expect to be able to say Malik Willis and De’Von Achane and others who emerge as starters ― there is just too much undecided at this point ― in the near future.
Young players are far less likely to have preconceived notions, poor work ethic and/or toxic traits.
Let them be molded in the form this new Dolphins regime envisions.
Miami Dolphins roster is one of youngest in NFL
Sink or swim.
The Dolphins have 21 rookies from their last two draft classes, one shy of being able to field a full offense and defense.
Which of these players are a part of Miami’s long-term goal to compete for a championship: Kadyn Proctor, Kenneth Grant, Chris Johnson, Jonah Savaiinaea, Jacob Rodriguez, Caleb Douglas, Will Kacmarek, Chris Bell, Trey Moore, Kyle Louis, Jordan Phillips, Jason Marshall, Dante Trader, Michael Taaffee, Ollie Gordon… and so on and so on…
Play them all. Play them a lot. Sink or swim.
No veteran obstacles. Save the money, Jon-Eric Sullivan.
Let the youngsters sort themselves out.
Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe’s free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Dolphins must prioritize practice, game reps for youngest players