Kelly: Opportunity knocks, and soon we’ll learn which Dolphins seize it | Opinion

Whether it’s a byproduct of money paid or owed, the draft pick used to select them or an elevated status created by injuries, windows of opportunity for NFL stardom open and close with the consistency and speed of a blinking eye.

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Those who thrive in professional sports’ most physical game are the ones who seize on it.

For many Miami Dolphins players, this scorched-earth reset of South Florida’s NFL franchise will provide many players a first, second and maybe a third chance to prove they are worthy of NFL stardom, starting spots, prominent roles and employment.

Malik Willis is a perfect illustration of what the 2026 Dolphins season’s about.

Willis was a career backup for most of his first four NFL seasons, but he is being given a rare opportunity to prove he’s an NFL starting quarterback for an entire season, if not more by the Dolphins’ new brass of general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and coach Jeff Hafley, who are familiar with his work and makeup from their time together in Green Bay.

“This is an opportunity that not many people get,” said Willis, who has started six NFL games before Sunday’s season opener against the Las Vegas Raiders.

But just as quickly as a starting job is given, it can be taken away, which is why Willis will need to produce to keep his status.

And in the NFL, production often leads to payment.

Patrick Paul has a chance to become the NFL’s next $100 million offensive lineman if he can replicate his 2025 breakout season, which would set the left tackle up for a massive contract extension.

Austin Jackson needs to prove he can stay healthy for an entire season to shed the injury-prone reputation, which would keep this 2020 first-round pick in play to remain an NFL starter.

Zach Sieler, who turned 31 this week, needs to prove he’s not past his prime and can still deliver 10-sack seasons like he did in 2023 and 2024. 

With a price tag of $13.2 million on the books for 2026, his future with this franchise likely depends on it.

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Willie Gay Jr., who has started 57 games in his previous six seasons, has an opportunity to prove he’s still an NFL starting linebacker while filling in for an injured Trey Moore.

The future is on the line for those four veterans.

Rookies are on the opposite end.

Offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor, cornerback Chris Johnson, receivers Caleb Douglas, Chris Bell and Kevin Coleman Jr., tight end Will Kacmarek, safety Michael Taaffe and fullback DJ Herman will all have a chance to prove they are worthy of being rookie starters.

Those chances come and go, and if they’re lucky they come again.

Dante Trader Jr. spent most of last season watching and learning from players such as Minkah Fitzpatrick, being groomed to become a future NFL starter.

That time is now.

Zeek Biggers redefined his body with the goal of getting into the defensive line rotation.

Now he’s a first-teamer for the 2026 Dolphins, as is nose tackle Jordan Phillips, tight end Greg Dulcich, edge rusher Josh Uche, safety Zayne Anderson and cornerbacks JuJu Brents and Jason Marshall Jr.

Anderson has the opportunity to prove he’s more than a special teams contributor. He’s being given an opportunity to prove he’s an NFL starter for the Dolphins after following his defensive coordinator turned head coach to Miami.

Brents has had the talent that tantalizes coaches for years.

The Dolphins got a taste of it last season when he was elevated into a starting role for three games and shined. Then he sustained a foot injury and missed the rest of the season.

“God willing, he continues to stay healthy and gets those reps in experience,” Hafley said. “He’s worked really hard for that up to this point.”

Brents hopes to prove he’s worthy of the investment.

The same applies to every Dolphins player who will grace the field Sunday, aiming to seize an opportunity.

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