The Miami Dolphins figure to play a prominent role in the 2026 quarterback carousel. It is widely expected that Miami will release veteran Tua Tagovailoa, and earlier this week, we reported that there is mutual interest with the Dolphins and free agent quarterback Malik Willis. Of course, observing the dead cap from Tagovailoa will put some contract limitations in place for Willis, and another team could outbid the Dolphins for Willis. That could lead Miami to look elsewhere for quarterback competition, including the 2026 NFL Draft. However, in speaking with sources, Miami does not sound high on Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson.
To take a quarterback with the 11th overall-pick or even later in the first round and make him the franchise quarterback for the new regime under head coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan would be a major commitment. Teams would not make that kind of commitment to a player they are lukewarm about or are not in love with. The Dolphins are going to do their due diligence on Simpson regardless of what happens in free agency. However, the impression from the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine was that the Dolphins were not in love with Simpson. In my my latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft, I have the Dolphins passing on Simpson but him coming off the board shortly thereafter.
