The New England Patriots had one of the league's easiest regular-season schedules in 2025, but things will be far different in 2026. Not only will New England play a first-place schedule, but their division is undergoing some major changes. Joe Brady was hired as the Bills' next head coach, while the Jets will have draft picks to use and money to spend.
The third and final AFC opponent, the Dolphins, is in an interesting position. Stuck after a string of mediocre seasons and just one playoff berth under Mike McDaniel, Jeff Hafley, and the Dolphins coaching staff are resetting the roster.
The team has already begun cutting costs by releasing Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb, but they still have a ways to go before they can consider themselves a playoff contender again.
However, fast-tracking their rebuild could be a possibility with the addition of a veteran QB. Players like De'Von Achane, Jaylen Waddle, Aaron Brewer, and Jordyn Brooks give the team upside, but for as long as Tua Tagovailoa and Quinn Ewers are the starting quarterbacks, the floor is low.
In a recent article from Bleacher Report's Moe Moton, it's suggested Kyler Murray could find his way to Miami.
Kyler Murray could be the Dolphins quarterback in 2026
Kyler Murray is a top candidate to be released or traded this offseason. The Cardinals are in no state to compete at this point, and with so many holes to fill, a quarterback with a near $53 million cap hit who's played more than 11 games once in the last four seasons hardly feels like the best use of resources.
Of course, the Dolphins would need to find a way to offload their Tua contract, but assuming they can do so through either a trade or a release, swapping the veterans could prove to be a savvy move.
The Dolphins need a quarterback without a doubt. Tua was benched last season after throwing 15 interceptions in 14 games. Quinn Ewers proved he has upside as a backup in his three starts, but the floor isn't any higher than it would be with Tua if he's the starter in 2026.
Miami's quarterback options are numerous this offseason
The Dolphins have been linked to some interesting quarterback options. Philadelphia's Tanner McKee has been cited as a potential starter, and Jalen Milroe has also been a name that's been tossed around as a high upside trade option.
The most popular name, however, given the Packers' connection to Hafley and GM Jon-Eric Sullivan, is Malik Willis, who's set to be a free agent.
In Willis's first two seasons in Tennessee, he finished with a dismal 53% completion rate, a single rushing touchdown, and five total turnovers. He didn't pass for a touchdown in Nashville before being traded to Green Bay.
Over two seasons at Lambeau, he posted a near-79 % completion rate, totaling 9 touchdowns with one turnover. In a loss to the Ravens this year, he totaled 348 yards and three touchdowns.
The Malik Willis hype has some merit, but there isn't much longevity in his success. Murray, on the other hand, has proven he can have success in this league. While the last few years have been injury-ridden, Murray has a ratio of 153 total touchdowns to 68 turnovers in his regular-season career.
He's thrown for more than 3,700 yards in each of his healthy seasons and has proven time and time again he's a weapon in the ground game.
While the Dolphins may not be able to offer an elite defense to aid Murray, his weapons offensively could be a lot worse. Between the team's skill positions and location, it isn't unreasonable to think he'd have some legitimate interest if he is to be released.
The Patriots last played Kyler Murray's Cardinals in 2024. The former Oklahoma Sooner went 23/30 for 224 yards and rushed 5 times for 11 yards en route to a 30-17 Arizona win. With Murray potentially facing the Patriots twice a year, the Patriots would have reason to be wary.