Dolphins to Keep Scouting for Undiscovered Talent
The Miami Dolphins plan to continuously search for hidden gems throughout the season. They will focus on adding players with a specific profile to strengthen the roster. This strategy aims to find undervalued contributors.
Miami's front office, led by GM Jon-Eric Sullivan, has explicitly committed to aggressively churning the bottom of the roster throughout the upcoming season. This approach prioritizes waiver wire claims and practice squad additions over high-profile veteran signings, with nearly all recent deals being low-cost one-year contracts.
The team's recent waiver activity has already matched its highest annual total since 2021, with claims including tight end Jeremiah Franklin and cornerback Ahmari Harvey. Historically, this strategy has yielded mixed results, as only about five of 43 waiver pickups since 2019 have become long-term contributors, notably defensive lineman Zach Sieler.
This roster-building strategy could impact the competitive balance of the league by giving discarded young players a second chance to prove their worth. For fans and players, it may foster a highly competitive environment where job security is fleeting, potentially affecting team chemistry. Additionally, this approach could influence how other franchises manage their own practice squads, as the Dolphins' willingness to claim castoffs may create a more fluid market for undervalued talent.