Full Breakdown
Miami Dolphins Sign 11 Undrafted Free Agents After 2026 Draft
4/28/2026, 10:45:11 PM
Draft-Driven Roster Needs and UDFA Strategy
Following the 2026 NFL Draft, General Manager Jon-Eric Sullivan announced the Dolphins would add “as many as 8-10 undrafted free agents.” The team’s post-draft plan emphasized bolstering depth with “mentally and physically tough players” who can contribute on special teams and compete for roster spots. With a thin edge-rusher group, limited safety depth, and no running-back acquisitions during the draft, the Dolphins turned to the UDFA market to address those gaps.
Key Undrafted Additions
- Mason Reiger (EDGE, Wisconsin) – Shrine Bowl defensive MVP; praised for his motor and size despite limited pass-rush technique.
- Rodney McGraw (EDGE, Western Michigan) – Recorded seven sacks and three tackles for loss; competing with Reiger for a roster spot.
- Anthony Hankerson (RB, Oregon State) – Two-year 1,000-yard rusher with a 4.4 YPC average; offers a shiftier back-up option.
- Le’Veon Moss (RB, Texas A&M) – Powerful runner hampered by injuries; projected for short-yardage situations.
- Donaven McCulley (WR, Michigan) – 6’4” former quarterback turned receiver; 588 yards on 39 catches.
- Rene Konga (DT, Rutgers/Louisville) – Heavy-set nose guard with six career sacks; visited the Dolphins in the top-30.
- Mark Gronowski (QB, South Dakota State) – Two-time FCS champion; 103 passing and 53 rushing touchdowns; competing for a backup role.
- Louis Moore (S, Indiana) – Six interceptions in a national-championship season; noted for elite instincts.
- Jim Bonifas (C, Iowa State) – 6-5, 320 lb; battling for a backup center slot.
- Kevin Cline (OT, Boston College) – Canadian dual-citizen; adds depth to a thin tackle group.
- Rene Konga (DT, Rutgers/Louisville) – Heavy-set nose guard with six career sacks; visited the Dolphins in the top-30.
Statistical Overview of UDFA Signings
- Total UDFAs signed: 11 (per DolphinsTalk) vs. 8-10 (per GM Sullivan).
- Positions covered: 3 edge rushers, 2 running backs, 1 quarterback, 1 safety, 1 defensive tackle, 1 offensive tackle, 1 center, 1 wide receiver.
- Draft-pick comparison: The Dolphins hold 13 draft selections; UDFAs represent the largest non-draft influx for the 2026 offseason.
Official Statements from Team Management
- GM Jon-Eric Sullivan confirmed the intent to sign “as many as 8-10 undrafted free agents,” stressing that the additions are “not splash signings” but depth moves aligned with the upcoming $20 million cap space from Bradley Chubb’s release.
- Team officials highlighted the need for “tough, physical presences with leadership ability” to improve the outside-linebacker unit, which currently lacks depth.
Critics and Realistic Outlook
Analysts note that most UDFAs “have an uphill climb to make the roster,” with only a few—most prominently Mason Reiger—viewed as potential contributors on special teams or as depth pieces. The consensus is that while the signings add competition, the majority will likely be allocated to practice squads.
Conflicting Reports on Signing Numbers
- DolphinsTalk reports 11 UDFA signings.
- Sports Illustrated’s roster projection cites 8-10 signings based on Sullivan’s statement.
The discrepancy reflects differing definitions of “official” signings at the time of reporting.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Reiger is a freak.” — Mark Knight, Badger of Honor
- “He tests off the charts, but his motor is his biggest selling point for an NFL team.” — Mark Knight
- “He won't be outworked, and he will figure out a way to get a quarterback to the ground.” — Mark Knight
- “He's going to be a steal for a team in the NFL, as he was hiding on a bad Wisconsin team.” — Mark Knight
- “However, his Shrine Bowl performance showed what he can do when he is given the opportunity.” — Mark Knight
- “Reiger is a freak. He tests off the charts, but his motor is his biggest selling point for an NFL team. He won't be outworked, and he will figure out a way to get a quarterback to the ground. He's going to be a steal for a team in the NFL, as he was hiding on a bad Wisconsin team. However, his Shrine Bowl performance showed what he can do when he is given the opportunity. He's going to be one of the next great Wisconsin OLBs in the NFL.” — Mark Knight
Future Outlook
All 11 UDFAs will attend rookie minicamp, followed by training camp and preseason games. Their performance will determine who secures a spot on the 53-man roster, joins the practice squad, or is released before the September season opener. The Dolphins’ depth strategy hinges on these players translating potential into on-field impact.
