Aug. 30, 2026, 6:42 p.m. ET
The Miami Dolphins had a very busy 48 hours, as they’ve officially trimmed their roster from 91 players down to 53 over the past two days, becoming compliant with the league rules right at the deadline at 6:00 p.m. ET on Sunday.
While the Dolphins will likely make more moves over the next 48 hours now that there’s a new crop of players available, their initial 53-man roster is set.
With those first cuts, let’s take a look at some of the most surprising.
RB Jarquez Hunter
Hunter didn’t play a single game for the Dolphins this preseason, but he makes this list because Miami just acquired him in a trade with the Los Angeles Chargers for wide receiver Tutu Atwell last week. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Hunter back on the practice squad if he goes unclaimed on waivers.
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Ojabo was one of the free-agent signings that Dolphins fans were most excited about because he was an All-American in his final year at Michigan before tearing his ACL. Unfortunately, he didn’t do much in the preseason to earn a spot, but considering Miami needs help in the room, it’s a bit surprising that he’s no longer on the roster.
LB Tyrel Dodson
Dodson’s release is the most surprising move that the Dolphins made, considering he was a starter for Miami in 2025. This just shows how much the team believes in rookie linebacker Jacob Rodriguez. Even if Rodriguez was going to start, they probably could’ve kept him around as a backup.
CB Marco Wilson
Of all of the free-agent additions at cornerback this offseason, Wilson had the best training camp and preseason, but it wasn’t enough to earn a spot in a young, thin room.
S Lonnie Johnson Jr.
The Dolphins brought in Johnson on a one-year deal this offseason, and considering he had seven years of experience in the NFL, it was expected that he’d make the roster. Instead, Miami cut him, and now they have just three safeties on the roster (not including hybrid-linebackers Ronnie Harrison Jr. and Kyle Louis).