Full Breakdown
Miami Dolphins Shape 2026 Roster: Practice-Squad Additions and Preseason Winners and Losers
9/2/2026, 12:24:48 AM
Core Roster Moves
The Dolphins announced a nine-player practice-squad roster that includes tackle Gottlieb Ayedze (signed June 17, 2026), safety Major Burns (signed June 15, 2026), tight end Jeremiah Franklin, quarterback Mark Gronowski (signed May 8, 2026), running back Jarquez Hunter, edge rusher Rodney McGraw, wide receiver Jalen Reagor, inside linebacker Cam Riley (signed), and running back Carlos Washington Jr.
Simultaneously, the final 53-man roster saw several veterans released after the preseason. Defensive tackle Keith Cooper Jr. earned a roster spot after a strong camp, while defensive tackle Matthew Butler was cut despite prior experience. Wide receiver Ryan Miller, tight end DJ Herman, and quarterback AJ Henning were among those who did not survive the final cuts.
Winners and Losers from Preseason Evaluation
Winners
- DJ Herman – transitioned from linebacker to fullback, survived final cuts and is praised for versatility.
- Keith Cooper Jr. – emerged from an undrafted background to become a notable defensive-line contributor.
- Ryan Miller – claimed off waivers, impressed on special teams and earned a spot on the 53-man roster.
Losers
- Tyrel Dodson – veteran linebacker released to save cap space; his $68 million 2026 cap hit would have been largely dead money.
- Matthew Butler – defensive tackle outperformed by Cooper despite more snaps last season.
- AJ Henning – quarterback waived after the Dolphins claimed seven players off waivers.
- Carlos Washington Jr. – cleared waivers and moved to the practice squad after initial release.
Verbatim Quotes
“Herm is getting better and better. He's a guy that we're trying to make multifaceted also. He's worked up on the front line. We've put him back there in the back. He's a guy that can wear a lot of hats,” — The Miami Dolphins
Data & Statistics
- Matthew Butler carried a $68 million cap hit for 2026; releasing him saved nearly $3 million with only $718,000 dead money.
- Keith Cooper Jr. logged a rare 83.5-inch wingspan and a low pad level, attributes cited as key to his leverage.
- DJ Herman contributed on both front line and backfield, providing the Dolphins with positional flexibility.
Background & Context
The roster moves follow earlier signings of veteran edge Clelin Ferrell (initially signed July 27, 2026) and quarterback Mark Gronowski (signed May 8, 2026). Both players participated in offseason programs but did not secure long-term roster spots.
These adjustments reflect Miami’s strategy to blend experienced depth with emerging talent, aiming to address weaknesses on defense, special teams, and offensive versatility as the 2026 season approaches.
