Story perspectives

Dolphins’ 25.0-year roster makes them NFL’s youngest team

9/1/2026

Summary

Dolphins Lead Youth

Miami Dolphins have the youngest NFL roster, averaging 25.0 years.
Pittsburgh Steelers rank as the league’s oldest team with a 27.1-year average.
Atlanta Falcons also average 27.1 years, helped by veteran kicker Nick Folk.
Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers each average 26.9 years, among the oldest clubs.
Green Bay Packers fell to sixth-youngest after adding 37-year-old backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor.

Summary

Sullivan Resets

General manager Jon-Eric Sullivan announced a “no emotional attachment” policy, moving on from Quinn Ewers.
He warned in March that “We can’t live in the middle,” signaling an intentional franchise reset.
Forty-seven percent of the 53-man roster are ages 22-24, highlighting the youth emphasis.
Head coach Jeff Hafley said the 2026 season will be judged by team development, not win-loss record.

History

Historical Context

When the Cleveland Browns rejoined the NFL in 1999, the expansion franchise fielded the league’s youngest roster, averaging 24.5 years. Owner Al Lerner hired head coach Chris Palmer, and quarterback Tim Couch, the No. 1 overall pick, started alongside 22 rookies, contributing to a 2-14 season record. Similarly, the 2024 Miami Dolphins average 25.0 years and the Pittsburgh Steelers 27.1, mirroring the league’s youth push championed by GM Jon-Eric Sullivan. As in 1999, such roster overhauls aim to convert youthful depth into future playoff runs, though immediate results often lag.

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Dolphins Lead Youth

Miami Dolphins have the youngest NFL roster, averaging 25.0 years.
Pittsburgh Steelers rank as the league’s oldest team with a 27.1-year average.
Atlanta Falcons also average 27.1 years, helped by veteran kicker Nick Folk.
Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers each average 26.9 years, among the oldest clubs.
Green Bay Packers fell to sixth-youngest after adding 37-year-old backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor.

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