Dolphins Projected to Sell Players Before Trade Deadline

The winless Miami franchise is reportedly looking to trade veteran players as they pivot toward a multi-season rebuild.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Football

Dolphins Projected to Sell Players Before Trade Deadline

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Following a 0-5 start to the 2026 season, the Miami Dolphins are expected to become sellers at the NFL trade deadline. The team aims to acquire draft capital by trading veterans on expiring contracts.

Why it matters

The team has no realistic path to the 2026 postseason and is focusing on long-term rebuilding efforts. Trading veteran assets allows the franchise to shed salaries and secure future draft picks.

Josh Uche has recorded 20 tackles and one sack in 2026, ranking 34th out of 106 edge rushers graded by PFF. He is currently playing on a one-year, $1.4 million contract.

The players

Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins are a professional American football team based in Miami that competes in the AFC East division of the NFL.

Josh Uche

Josh Uche is a veteran NFL pass rusher currently in his seventh professional season.

Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens are a professional American football team that competes in the AFC North division of the NFL.

The details

The Dolphins are shedding the salaries of veteran players to reset their roster trajectory. Reports indicate the team may receive a 2027 sixth-round pick in exchange for moving pass rusher Josh Uche, who is currently in his seventh NFL season.

Josh Uche recorded 11.5 sacks during the 2022 NFL season.
The Miami Dolphins opened the 2026 season with five consecutive losses.
Veterans on expiring deals are not expected to remain with the team through 2027.

Season Trajectory

This pivot to a selling strategy effectively ends the Dolphins' competitive aspirations for the 2026 postseason. The move marks a transition toward prioritizing long-term draft positioning over short-term roster stability.

Trading veteran players will necessitate a reliance on younger, unproven depth for the remainder of the 2026 schedule. The accumulation of draft picks, such as a projected 2027 sixth-round selection, signals a multi-year outlook for the franchise.

The takeaway

Teams struggling with winless starts often utilize the mid-season trade window to accelerate their rebuilding timelines. By liquidating veteran assets, organizations can clear significant cap space while bolstering their future draft capital.