Full Breakdown
Dolphins Turn to Tight End Greg Dulcich as Primary Receiving Threat in 2026
6/24/2026, 1:42:05 AM
Offseason Moves Leave Wide-Receiver Void
The Dolphins released All-Pro Tyreek Hill and traded Jaylen Waddle, despite his contract through 2028, as rookie quarterback Malik Willis took over, leaving the team without a proven top receiver.
Greg Dulcich Emerges as Primary Target
Veteran tight end Greg Dulcich, a 2022 third-round pick, impressed coaches in spring drills and displayed chemistry with Willis. Late-season play in 2025 earned him a reputation as a reliable target, leading to a one-year re-signing.
Key Numbers
In 2025 Dulcich recorded 26 catches for 335 yards and one TD, averaging 7.6 yards after catch (second-most league-wide). His 2022 rookie season produced 33 catches for 411 yards and two TDs; 2023-24 added eight catches for 53 yards.
Team Actions and Contract Details
The Dolphins re-signed Dulcich to a one-year deal reported at $3 million or $3.5 million, using four void years to spread the cap hit, signaling confidence in his role.
Criticism & Opposition
Sports Illustrated analyst Alain Pouport warned that projecting Dulcich as a starter may be premature, noting he may earn a role but not a full-time start.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Dulcich’s contract—$3 million versus $3.5 million—and the Dolphins’ wide-receiver depth remains unquantified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Dolphins fans might remember Dulcich's late-season contributions, but he has emerged this spring as one of the primary targets in Miami's passing game. Quarterback Malik Willis has an entirely new group of skill players to build chemistry with, but during team drills, there was clear trust in Dulcich, who was one of the best tight ends in the league last season at making plays after the catch.” — Marcel Louis-Jacques, ESPN reporter
- “We played at the Senior Bowl together. We had that little connection which was cool, and when you got a great quarterback like Malik, he does a good job of learning everyone’s tendencies really quickly. He knows how you’re going to run a route just because he’s got great football IQ and he’s a great player.” — Greg Dulcich, tight end
- “While projecting him as a starter might be a reach at this time, Dulcich figures to get some kind of role on the offense that now will be led by Willis” — Alain Pouport, Sports Illustrated analyst
- “It was just last week that I tackled a 2026 season projection for tight end Greg Dulcich and finished with a 62 reception, 694 receiving yard, 5 touchdown stat line as my final answer.” — Marcel Louis-Jacques, ESPN reporter
Outlook for 2026
With Willis in his first full season and Dulcich on a short-term deal, Miami expects a tighter passing attack anchored by the tight end. Beat writers project Dulcich to exceed 60 receptions and near 700 yards, potentially offsetting the receiver shortage. Success hinges on Willis’s growth and the rookie wide-receiver group.
