Story by (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun-Sentinel/TNS)Chris Perkins, South Florida Sun-SentinelSat, December 27, 2025 at 5:40 PM UTC·4 min readMIAMI GARDENS — The Miami Dolphins will be looking into a mirror as well as a crystal ball when they host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their home finale. Here’s what they’ll see: There’s a good chance many of their key players on Sunday — quarterback Quinn Ewers, running back De’Von Achane, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, center Aaron Brewer, left tackle Patrick Paul, left guard Jonah Savaiinaea, defensive tackles Zach Sieler, Jordan Phillips and Kenneth Grant, linebacker Jordyn Brooks, edge rusher Chop Robinson, safety Dante Trader, Jr. — will be key players in 2026. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe 2026 Dolphins, whose general manager and coach haven’t been confirmed, could welcome back as many as eight offensive starters and five defensive starters along with a decent amount of youthful depth. After all, most likely the Dolphins’ 2026 rebuild, re-tool, rebuild-on-the-fly — or whatever it gets called, will be aimed at reigning in finances more than overhauling talent. Coach Mike McDaniel doesn’t talk about 2026. He maintains he’s only looking at 2025 and trying to beat the Buccaneers (7-8), who are still fighting for a spot in the postseason. But owner Steve Ross and fans are likely looking ahead to 2026, when young, low-priced labor becomes more of a necessity. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMcDaniel acknowledges that he has conversations with interim general manager Champ Kelly that have overlapping benefits.“I think the bigger thing is (that) having an open dialogue of who gives us the best chance to win has been very beneficial this particular year with the given roster we have,” McDaniel said. Related Articles Game time: Fast facts, odds and injury report for Dolphins vs.