There are resets, and then there are reckoning seasons. The Miami Dolphins just lived through the latter. After years of chasing speed and splash, South Florida now finds itself staring at the most unforgiving position in sports without a clear answer. A franchise that once branded itself as the NFL’s most explosive offense is suddenly trapped in quarterback purgatory. They just can’t afford another year in that kind of limbo.
New general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan cannot tiptoe into 2026. He needs a swing. And that swing may come in the form of a former No. 1 overall pick looking for his own fresh start: Kyler Murray.
2025 ended an era
The Dolphins’ 2025 campaign unfolded as a turbulent year of two halves. Miami cratered to a disastrous 1-6 start, plagued by offensive stagnation. They also saw a noticeable regression from Tua Tagovailoa, who threw a career-high 15 interceptions. The once-rhythm-based passing attack lost its timing. Their explosive identity that defined the previous era began to fade.
A mid-season surge briefly restored hope. Powered by De’Von Achane, Miami rattled off five wins in six games to re-enter the playoff conversation. However, a decisive Week 15 loss to the Steelers extinguished that optimism. The fallout was swift. Owner Stephen Ross parted ways with longtime GM Chris Grier and later head coach Mike McDaniel. Tagovailoa’s late-season benching in favor of Quinn Ewers effectively closed the book on his tenure as the franchise centerpiece. The 7-10 finish wasn’t just disappointing. It felt transformational.
Purgatory and cap complications
Entering the 2026 offseason, Miami’s biggest problem is all about structure. The Dolphins are locked in QB purgatory. Tagovailoa’s 2024 extension looms heavily over the books. His $54 million salary for 2026 is fully guaranteed. Releasing him outright would trigger a staggering $99.2 million dead cap hit. The team is already projected to sit nearly $4 million over the limit. Simply put, there is no clean exit. And yet, there is leverage.
Sullivan holds the No. 11 overall pick and five selections inside the top 100. That means Miami has draft ammunition. It just needs a dancing partner. With a new regime led by head coach Jeff Hafley, the Dolphins need a dynamic, dual-threat quarterback to modernize the offense. That’s where Murray enters the conversation.
Kyler Murray’s lost season
Murray’s 2025 season was defined more by absence than production. A lingering foot injury suffered in Week 5 against Tennessee derailed his year. Before landing on injured reserve, he threw for 962 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions across five starts. He struggled to find rhythm within an unstable offensive environment.
Murray's recovery plateaued, and he was shut down in early December. Arizona then limped to a 3-14 finish. Reports of a communication breakdown between Murray and the front office only intensified speculation that a divorce was inevitable. Yes, his contract remains daunting. That said, so does the talent. Murray is still squarely in his physical prime. The question isn’t whether he can play but whether the right ecosystem can unlock him again.
Perfect trade framework
For Miami to land Murray, it must outmaneuver teams like the Jets or Vikings without sacrificing its long-term flexibility. The proposal needs to solve quarterback uncertainty and financial suffocation.
The structure looks like this:
- Miami receives Kyler Murray and a 2027 fifth-round pick.
- Arizona receives a 2026 first-round pick, a 2027 third-round pick, and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, with Arizona absorbing a negotiated portion of the salary.
This is not a blockbuster fueled by ego. It’s a calculated reset for both franchises.
Why Miami pulls the trigger
First, the mobility factor. For years, Miami’s offense depended on timing and precision within a confined pocket. When that structure cracked, so did the unit. Murray provides second-reaction creativity. He extends plays and threatens edges. His improvisational ability pairs seamlessly with Jaylen Waddle’s burst and the vertical stress Miami’s system is built around.
Second, this is a buy-low opportunity. Murray’s trade value is depressed after a foot injury and concerns about diminished explosiveness. If Miami’s medical staff believes he can regain most of his pre-injury mobility, the upside dwarfs the risk.
Third, this is a contractual reset disguised as a gamble. Murray’s deal is expensive, but it is flexible. Miami can restructure his cap number. That would smooth out the hit while effectively replacing Tagovailoa’s $54 million guarantee with a quarterback who brings a higher ceiling. It’s not about redirecting cost.
Why Arizona listens
The motivation is clarity. Moving Murray before June 1 creates over $35 million in cap space. It allows Arizona to draft a quarterback at No. 3 without vestiges of the previous regime lingering in the locker room. They regain draft capital and acquire Tagovailoa as a bridge or mentor option.
Again, Tua’s inclusion is the financial lubricant that makes the trade equitable. Arizona gains a capable veteran presence without committing long-term. Miami sheds a massive guarantee while accepting risk in Murray’s deal. It’s as practical as deals come.
Gamble worth taking
There are no safe quarterback solutions in the NFL. Drafting at No. 11 guarantees nothing. However, standing pat guarantees stagnation. Murray is far from a flawless prospect. His durability will be scrutinized. His fit in a new market will be debated. That said, Miami cannot rebuild its identity around caution.
This franchise once chased speed to redefine itself. Now it must chase adaptability to survive. If the Dolphins believe Murray’s best football remains ahead of him, this is the bold, uncomfortable move that defines a new era. In a 2026 season that will undoubtedly demand aggression, bold may be the only option left.
