Miami Dolphins Sign Jaheim Thomas, Ethan Conner in Roster Moves
The Miami Dolphins continue to shuffle their roster as the team approaches the start of the 2026 regular season.
Miami announced Monday that it has signed tight end Ethan Conner and inside linebacker Jaheim Thomas. To make room on the roster, the Dolphins waived center Jim Bonifas and cornerback Ahmari Harvey.
The moves come at an important point on the NFL calendar, with the Dolphins evaluating the bottom of their roster and preparing to make difficult decisions ahead of the league’s final roster cutdown.
Dolphins Add Jaheim Thomas at Linebacker
Of the two additions, Thomas may be the more intriguing considering the Dolphins’ current situation at linebacker.
The 6-foot-4, 223-pound Thomas played collegiately at Cincinnati, Arkansas and Wisconsin before going undrafted in 2025. Since leaving college, he has participated in NFL tryouts and most recently played for the Louisville Kings of the UFL.
Thomas appeared in 12 games for Louisville in 2026 and recorded 79 tackles, one tackle for loss, half a sack and five passes defensed.
Miami’s decision to bring in another linebacker is noteworthy after rookie Trey Moore suffered an ankle injury in Saturday’s preseason loss to the New York Giants. With Moore expected to miss some time, the Dolphins need additional bodies at the position.
Thomas now gets an opportunity to make a quick impression on Jeff Hafley and his coaching staff. At this stage of the preseason, every practice and preseason snap matters for a player fighting for a roster spot.
Ethan Conner Joins the Tight End Room
The Dolphins also added tight end Ethan Conner, giving Miami another player to evaluate at a position where there is plenty of competition.
Miami entered the week with a tight end group that included Greg Dulcich, Will Kacmarek, Seydou Traore, Cole Turner and Jeremiah Franklin.
Conner will have limited time to show the coaching staff what he can bring to the offense and special teams. For players added this late in August, special-teams ability can be particularly important when teams make decisions on the final few spots on the 53-man roster.
Jim Bonifas and Ahmari Harvey Waived
To create the necessary roster space, Miami moved on from Bonifas and Harvey.
Bonifas had been competing for a backup job along the interior offensive line behind starting center Aaron Brewer. Andrew Meyer was also listed among Miami’s options at center before Monday’s transaction.
Harvey’s departure comes as Miami continues to sort through a crowded and unsettled cornerback room. The Dolphins recently claimed Jai’Onte’ McMillan off waivers and have continued to evaluate different combinations in the secondary.
Harvey had been battling players such as Ethan Bonner, Darrell Baker Jr., Marco Wilson, Storm Duck and others for a roster spot.
Dolphins Continue to Tinker With the Roster
These probably won’t be the final moves Miami makes before setting its initial 53-man roster.
The Dolphins have been aggressive about turning over the bottom of the roster throughout August, searching for players who can provide depth and contribute on special teams. Thomas, in particular, is worth watching because of the uncertainty created by Moore’s injury.
For Conner and Thomas, there isn’t much time to get acclimated. They will need to learn the playbook quickly and make the most of every opportunity they receive.
With roster decisions rapidly approaching, the competition in Miami is about to become even more intense.