{
  "id": 3847208,
  "title": "Dolphins Newcomer is Only Person Who Can Accelerate Rebuild",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/dolphins-newcomer-is-only-person-who-can-accelerate-rebuild",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-28T00:12:24.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nfl/dolphins-newcomer-is-only-person-who-can-accelerate-rebuild-12377571"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Miami Dolphins could secure the No. 1 overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. Head coach Mike McDaniel was dismissed on January 8. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is being paid $100 million to join another team after being released on March 9. Defenders Jaylen Waddle and Minkah Fitzpatrick were traded to the Denver Broncos and Pittsburgh Steelers, respectively. Running backs Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb were released to save money. Numerous other players were lost between March and July.\n\nJeff Hafley, Kadyn Proctor, and Chris Johnson have been brought in to kickstart the rebuild, but only one player has the capability to accelerate it: Will Smith. Standing 6'1\", weighing 225 pounds, and 27 years old, Smith signed a three-year, $67.5 million contract. His NFL career has been inconsistent; with the Tennessee Titans, he started only three games as a rookie, finishing with zero touchdown passes and three interceptions. He was then drafted by the Green Bay Packers, where he played as a backup to Jordan Love. However, he impressed in limited appearances with the Packers before moving to Miami.\n\nAlthough Smith did not receive top-tier quarterback money, he secured a substantial guarantee of $45 million, surpassing what Sam Darnold received from the Seattle Seahawks and Baker Mayfield received from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If the Dolphins believe in Smith, he can transform their current roster into a championship contender and potentially end their rebuild. Conversely, if he fails, he'll be seen as just another unsuccessful attempt to rebuild the team.",
  "summary": "Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis is the only person who can accelerate the franchise's ongoing rebuild.",
  "key_points": [
    "Only Will Smith can accelerate Dolphins' rebuild.",
    "Smith signed three-year, $67.5 million contract.",
    "Smith's NFL career inconsistent with zero touchdowns in 3 games."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Dolphins' substantial investment in Will Smith signals a high-stakes bet that he can rapidly accelerate their rebuild and transform their roster into a championship contender.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}