As the NFL's roster reduction deadline looms, the Miami Dolphins have begun their final cuts, waiving 12 players on Saturday, August 29, 2026. The move comes as all 32 teams must trim their rosters to 53 players by Sunday at 6 p.m. ET, and Miami's front office is making calculated decisions to solidify their depth chart ahead of the regular season.
Who Were the Waived Players?
According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the Dolphins parted ways with cornerback Alex Austin, running backs Coleman Bennett and Donovan Edwards, tackle Kevin Cline, edge rusher Seth Coleman-Lyles, tight end Ethan Conner, inside linebackers Stephen Dix Jr. and Jaheim Thomas, defensive linemen Alex Huntley and Cam Rice, safety Louis Moore, and wide receiver Theo Wease Jr.. These players will now enter the waiver wire, where other teams may claim them before they become free agents.
Preseason Context and Roster Strategy
The Dolphins concluded their preseason with a 17-12 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Friday night, a game that likely served as a final evaluation for many bubble players. Head coach Mike McDaniel and general manager Chris Grier now face the difficult task of balancing talent, positional needs, and salary cap constraints. The waived list includes several undrafted free agents and late-round picks who showed flashes but ultimately fell short in a competitive roster battle.
"Every cut is tough because these guys have poured their hearts into this organization," a team source told Vulius. "But our goal is to put the best 53 on the field to compete for a championship."
Notably, the Dolphins are deep at running back with Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane leading the charge, making it difficult for rookies like Edwards (a former Michigan standout) to secure a spot. Similarly, the wide receiver corps, headlined by Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, left little room for Wease Jr. to carve out a role.
What's Next for Miami?
The Dolphins will continue to monitor the waiver wire and may add players released by other teams who fit their system better. As reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, Miami's front office has been aggressive in recent years in churning the bottom of the roster, and this year is no different. Fans should expect a few more moves before the 53-man roster is finalized.
For the waived players, the journey isn't necessarily over—many will land on practice squads if they clear waivers. The Dolphins' practice squad will be assembled shortly after the deadline, offering a lifeline to some of these athletes to remain within the organization and develop further.
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