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The Miami Dolphins have officially signed cornerback Alex Austin, a 24-year-old with three years of NFL experience. Austin was a seventh-round draft pick by the Buffalo Bills in 2023 and has since spent time with the Houston Texans and New England Patriots, where he started games and contributed on special teams.
Why it matters
The Dolphins are bolstering their secondary depth and special teams units with the addition of the versatile Austin, who has proven he can step in and start at cornerback while also being a valuable special teams contributor.
The details
Austin played his college football at Oregon State, where he was a three-year starter, before entering the NFL in 2023. He has recorded 31 tackles, eight pass deflections, and one interception in his first three pro seasons. In 2025, when Patriots starter Christian Gonzales missed the first two games, Austin stepped up and started. When Gonzales returned, Austin became a key special teams player, logging 157 snaps and five combined tackles.
Austin was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the seventh round in 2023.He spent his rookie season with the Bills, then had stints with the Texans and Patriots.In 2025, Austin started two games for the Patriots when their starting cornerback was injured.
The players
Alex Austin
A 24-year-old cornerback who was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2023 and has since spent time with the Houston Texans and New England Patriots, where he started games and contributed on special teams.
Christian Gonzales
The starting cornerback for the New England Patriots, who missed the first two games of the 2025 season, allowing Austin to step in and start.
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What they’re saying
“For more analysis and insight on the Dolphins new acquisitions, download the Drive Time podcast with Travis Wingfield.”
— Travis Wingfield
The takeaway
The Dolphins are adding a versatile defensive back in Alex Austin, who has proven he can step in and start at cornerback while also being a valuable special teams contributor. This signing provides depth and experience to Miami’s secondary.