Dolphins Draft Signings
Miami Dolphins Secure Most Draft Picks, Including Kadyn Proctor, Utilizing Freed Cap Space
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The Miami Dolphins have signed first-round pick Kadyn Proctor to a four-year deal worth an estimated $26.1 million, along with 10 other members of their 2026 draft class, according to Pro Football Rumors. The signings came just days after the team unlocked roughly $21.1 million in salary cap space on June 1 — money that had been frozen until post-June 1 roster cuts officially took effect, per Spotrac.
The Dolphins entered the spring as the only NFL team without a signed draft pick, weighed down by a historic $179.2 million dead cap hit — the highest in NFL history, Sports Illustrated reported. Releases of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and edge rusher Bradley Chubb triggered the relief that finally cleared the way.
Proctor's Four-Year Deal Anchors a Rebuilt Offensive Line
Proctor, a 6-foot-7, 352-pound offensive lineman from Alabama, was selected 12th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. His four-year rookie contract is estimated at $26.1 million and includes a $15.7 million signing bonus, according to Over the Cap. NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein called him a "bona-fide people mover" who excels at downhill blocking.
Proctor is expected to start immediately at left guard rather than tackle, Pro Football Rumors reported. His arrival reshuffles the entire offensive line. Patrick Paul would shift to left tackle, while Jonah Savaiinaea would move to right guard. The Dolphins also agreed to terms with 27th overall pick Chris Johnson, a cornerback from San Diego State, per NFL Network.
A $179 Million Dead Cap Forced Miami to Wait Until June
Miami's cap crisis was unlike anything the NFL had seen before. The team carried $179.2 million in dead money — about 60% of the league's $301 million cap limit — after releasing high-priced veterans during a full-scale rebuild, Sports Illustrated reported. Dead money is cap space charged to a team for players who are no longer on the roster.
The logjam broke on June 1, when post-cut designations for Tagovailoa and Chubb freed up $21.1 million, per Spotrac. The Dolphins signed 10 draft picks on June 2 and finished with Proctor and Johnson on June 3. Only fifth-round tight end Seydou Traore remained unsigned as of Wednesday evening, according to nwfdailynews.com.
New GM Sullivan Bets on a 'Green Bay Model' Rebuild
Owner Stephen Ross hired Jon-Eric Sullivan as general manager and Jeff Hafley as head coach in January 2026, replacing Chris Grier and Mike McDaniel. Sullivan, formerly with Green Bay, is building around the draft rather than big free-agent signings. "If you don't get a guy in the first round, you have a chance... in the second, third round," Sullivan said, per floridatoday.com.
Quarterback Malik Willis was signed to a two-year, $45 million guaranteed bridge deal to lead the offense in 2026, per the Miami Herald. The full 13-player rookie class will cost about $9.8 million in effective 2026 cap space. That leaves roughly $9 to $12 million for veteran depth signings or contract extensions, the Miami Herald reported.
2026 Looks Like a Bridge Year, Eyes on 2027 Draft
Analysts are split on whether Miami is rebuilding or quietly tanking. Sullivan and Hafley have rejected the "tanking" label, insisting they are building "infrastructure," according to the Associated Press. But some local voices are blunt. Miami Herald columnist Omar Kelly argued that veteran free agents could likely beat this Dolphins team in a head-to-head game.
The financial reset positions Miami for a strong run at top prospects in the 2027 draft, which is expected to feature quarterbacks like Arch Manning and Nico Iamaleava. Chris Johnson's pick drew wide praise, earning an A- grade as a "steal" at 27th overall, per tcpalm.com. Proctor's selection was more divisive, drawing a C- over concerns about weight management and consistency.
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