Dolphins Reinforce Practice Squad with Familiar Faces Bonner and Llewellyn

As the Miami Dolphins put the finishing touches on their roster ahead of the 2026 NFL season, the team made a strategic move on Tuesday by adding two familiar faces to their practice squad. Cornerback Ethan Bonner and EDGE Max Llewellyn, both of whom have history with the organization, were signed to bolster depth as the regular season approaches. To make room, the Dolphins released tight end Jeremiah Franklin and inside linebacker Cam Riley.

Bonner Brings Experience and Playmaking Ability

Ethan Bonner, who originally joined the Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2023, returns after spending three seasons with the team. In that span, the Stanford product appeared in 21 regular-season games, recording nine tackles, one interception, three passes defensed, and a fumble recovery. He also contributed in the postseason during Miami's 2023 playoff run. Bonner's familiarity with the defensive scheme under coordinator Anthony Weaver makes him a valuable asset for practice squad depth, especially in a division loaded with high-powered passing attacks.

Llewellyn's Upside as a Rookie Edge Rusher

Max Llewellyn, selected by Miami in the seventh round (238th overall) of the 2026 NFL Draft out of Iowa, adds intriguing upside on the edge. During his collegiate career, Llewellyn appeared in 43 games with 13 starts, tallying 64 tackles, 14.5 sacks, and 20.5 tackles for loss. His production earned him All-Big Ten honorable mention in 2025 and helped the Hawkeyes reach the conference championship game in 2023. While he didn't crack the initial 53-man roster, Llewellyn's pass-rushing potential makes him a prime candidate for development and potential elevation later in the season.

Strategic Depth Moves Signal Long-Term Vision

General manager Jon-Eric Sullivan has been aggressive in reshaping the roster over the past week, from waiver claims to finalizing the practice squad. By re-signing Bonner and Llewellyn, the Dolphins are prioritizing continuity and familiarity within their system. These moves also reflect a commitment to developing young talent, as both players have clear paths to contribute if injuries or performance issues arise.

As the Dolphins gear up for a highly anticipated season, the practice squad additions provide insurance at critical positions. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the team's depth at cornerback and edge rusher will be tested early, making these signings all the more significant. Fans in Miami Gardens are eager to see if either player can follow in the footsteps of previous practice squad standouts and eventually carve out a role on Sundays.

"Bonner and Llewellyn know what it takes to compete at this level, and their presence gives us flexibility as we navigate the grind of a 17-game season," a team source told Vulius.

With the regular season opener just days away, the Dolphins' practice squad is now stocked with familiar, hungry players ready to prove their worth. As highlighted on Vulius, these moves may not make headlines, but they are the kind of behind-the-scenes decisions that can define a championship-caliber roster.