Dolphins’ perfect 2026 NFL Draft trade

The Miami Dolphins are embracing the ultimate rebuild. This offseason, they’ve moved on from nearly everybody of note from their core in recent years. For example, Tua Tagovailoa, Jaylen Waddle, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Tyreek Hill, and Bradley Chubb will all be playing for new teams next season, as Miami either released or traded all of those players. They’ve also brought in new players who will lead a new era for the team. Most notably, Malik Willis was signed to be the franchise quarterback.

The Dolphins might not be done cleaning house quite yet. If the firesale is to continue, they might end up trading away some more key players during the 2026 NFL Draft. After all, the team likely values draft picks over veterans at this point in time.

So, who could be next to go during the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft?

The Dolphins should trade Jordyn Brooks

Miami Dolphins receive: 2026 third-round pick (pick 100)

Jacksonville Jaguars receive: Jordyn Brooks

In all likelihood, the Dolphins are now years away from contending. It makes sense why they’ve moved on from so many players, and continuing to exchange veterans for draft capital would be smart. However, it would also be risky to further deplete the offense. The team invested a long-term contract into Willis, so they need him to pan out as the franchise quarterback. After already trading the team’s top two pass-catching options, the Dolphins can’t afford to take any more of Willis’ weapons away.

De’Von Achane has been rumored as a trade candidate, but the team should keep the running back in an effort to ensure Miami’s offense remains balanced. Furthermore, any starting offensive linemen shouldn’t be traded because a dual-threat quarterback like Willis needs to stay upright to find success.

There is no problem with the defense being a disaster, though. Miami should have no problem trading Brooks, even after he racked up 183 combined tackles last season. That was a mark that didn’t just lead the Dolphins, but the entire NFL. After earning a First-Team All-Pro nod, Brooks’ trade value will never be higher. Brooks plugs rushing lanes and can play sideline-to-sideline. He is adequate in pass coverage and as a pass rusher, too. Brooks has 13 career sacks.

Now would be the perfect time to trade him, and the Jacksonville Jaguars would be a good fit. The team took a big step forward last year, and they want to continue improving. The Jaguars lost their star off-ball linebacker in free agency, though, so they desperately need a Devin Lloyd replacement. Brooks can play middle linebacker or weak side linebacker.

The Texas Tech product would ensure the number-one ranked rushing defense doesn’t take a step back without Lloyd manning the middle. The Jaguars allowed just 1,455 rushing yards last season.

It would likely take a mid-round pick to get a deal done. If the Jaguars offered the Dolphins a third-round selection, they’d almost certainly take it. Miami already has eight picks within the first 130 selections after the Waddle trade netted them a bunch of draft capital from the Denver Broncos, so they are in a great place to kickstart a rebuild. While trading Brooks would be a tough pill to swallow, it would be a smart decision to make considering the state of the franchise, and they clearly have no problem moving on from talented roster staples.

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