Hayden Rucci

Wednesday NFL Transactions: AFC East

Following the 53-man roster cutdown deadline Tuesday, many teams will make slight tweaks to their rosters. In addition to waiver claims, teams can begin constructing their 16-man practice squads today. These BillsDolphinsJets and Patriots moves are noted below.

Buffalo Bills

Signed:

Claimed:

Signed to practice squad:

Miami Dolphins

Released:

Claimed:

Signed to practice squad:

New England Patriots

Signed:

Claimed:

Released:

Waived:

Signed to practice squad:

New York Jets

Signed:

Claimed:

Waived:

Signed to practice squad:

Dolphins Reduce Roster To 53 Players

After two-straight Wild Card Round losses, the Dolphins are hoping to take another step forward in 2024. The team started prepping for a crucial campaign today, as they set their 53-man roster by making the following moves:

Released:

Waived:

  • LB David Anenih
  • WR Je’Quan Burton
  • S Jordan Colbert
  • DT Robert Cooper
  • WR Erik Ezukanma
  • WR Mike Harley Jr.
  • OL Chasen Hines
  • RB Zander Horvath
  • LB Dequan Jackson
  • WR Jadon Janke
  • CB Isaiah Johnson
  • OL Matthew Jones
  • CB Jason Maitre
  • OT Bayron Matos
  • WR Kyric McGowan
  • DT Leonard Payne
  • S Mark Perry
  • TE Hayden Rucci

Waived/injured:

Placed on IR:

Placed on reserve/PUP list:

According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the expectation is that long snapper Blake Ferguson will end up re-upping with the Dolphins, with his release solely being for roster machinations. The former sixth-round pick has spent his entire career in Miami, with the special teamer appearing in 67 games.

Nik Needham‘s stay in Miami has come to an end after five seasons. The former UDFA started 27 of his 61 appearances with the organization, although the majority of his production came in his first three seasons with the Dolphins. Between 2019 and 2021, the defensive back hauled in six interceptions, but after returning from a 2022 season-ending injury, he only got into 71 defensive snaps in 2023.

There was some hope that Neville Gallimore could provide the Dolphins with some defensive line depth when he caught on with the organization. The former third-round pick never clicked in Dallas, but he still got into 52 games in his four years with the organization. He collected four sacks and nine QB hits over the span, and he twice managed to top 400 defensive snaps in a campaign.

Dolphins Sign 12 UDFAs

The Dolphins are among the teams which have unveiled their class of undrafted rookies ahead of minicamps. Here are Miami’s additions:

Matos is amongst the highest earners around the league with respect to guaranteed compensation given to undrafted rookies this year. Miami gave him $225K in guaranteed salary as well as a $22K signing bonus, per Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. Meyer also secured a notable commitment ($75K), Wilson notes. Offensive line depth has been a talking point for Miami, and Matos and Meyer will aim to earn roster spots with the team this summer.

Wilson reports Perry drew considerable attention around the league before choosing to sign with the Dolphins. The Colorado transfer earned $150K guaranteed, including a $15K signing bonus. Perry spent the past two seasons with the Horned Frogs, amassing 142 tackles (including 9.5 for loss) and six pass deflections along the way. He could earn a backup job in the secondary while contributing on special teams.

Duck was also a top target of the Dolphins, as evidenced by his up front compensation. The 6-0, 205-pounder received a $20K signing bonus and $150K in total guarantees, per Wilson. Duck transferred from North Carolina to Louisville last offseason. In his single campaign with the Cardinals, he posted 32 tackles and seven pass breakups and he will look to parlay that into a least a practice squad spot.