Zeek Bigger

Dolphins Sign First-Round DT Kenneth Grant, Six Others

Many teams around the NFL are busy inking draft picks to their rookie deals. In the case of the Dolphins, that includes their top selection now being on the books.

Kenneth Grant has signed his rookie deal, the team announced on Friday. The defensive tackle was one of several prospects at his position seen as a strong candidate to hear his name called during the first round. While it therefore came as little surprise he came off the board on Day 1, the No. 13 draft slot was seen by many as a slight reach.

Grant spent each of his three college seasons at Michigan, handling a notable role along the defensive interior alongside Mason GrahamThose two were both key contributors in the Wolverines’ national title in 2023 and they remained impactful players last year. Whereas Graham showcased plenty of potential against the pass, though, Grant has not developed as much in that area. Still, the latter will be counted on to be an impactful producer on early downs as he transitions to the pro game.

In 2024 – their first season following Christian Wilkins‘ free agent departure – the Dolphins ranked ninth against the run. That level of success is a testament in part to the team’s D-line, a unit which lost Calais Campbell this spring. Grant will compete for snaps alongside Zach Sieler and Benito Jones; Miami had Neil Farrell in the fold until yesterday, when he was among the veterans cut in anticipation of rookie minicamp beginning.

Now, Grant will join fellow rookies Jordan Phillips (fifth round, Maryland) and Zeek Biggers (seventh round, Georgia Tech) in vying for playing time along the defensive line. Both Phillips and Biggers have signed their respective four-year contracts. The same is also true of fifth-round cornerback Jason Marshall (Florida), fifth-round safety Dante Trader (Maryland), sixth-round running back Ollie Gordon (Oklahoma State) and seventh-round quarterback Quinn Ewers (Texas).

As a result, seven of the team’s eight draftees are on the books at this point. The lone exception is Arizona guard Jonah Savaiinaea, whom the Dolphins traded up to select in the second round.

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/17/17

Today’s practice squad updates:

Atlanta Falcons

Buffalo Bills

Carolina Panthers

Denver Broncos

Green Bay Packers

Indianapolis Colts

Washington Redskins

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/3/17

Today’s practice squad moves:

Arizona Cardinals

Baltimore Ravens

Carolina Panthers

Cleveland Browns

Detroit Lions

Indianapolis Colts

Miami Dolphins

New York Jets

Philadelphia Eagles

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

  • Signed: TE/FB Alan Cross
  • Cut: RB Russell Hansbrough

Tennessee Titans

  • Signed: WR C.J. Board
  • Cut: CB Kenneth Durden

Washington Redskins

  • Signed: QB Joel Stave, OL Jerry Ugokwe
  • Released: QB Alek Torgersen

Panthers Reduce Roster To 53

The Panthers trimmed their roster to 77 players yesterday, and it appears that they’ve reached the 53-man limit today (via Max Henson of Panthers.com):

Waived:

Released outright (vested veterans who are not subject to waivers):

Placed on IR:

Minor NFL Transactions: 5/30/17

Today’s minor moves:

  • The Lions announced today that they have signed offensive guard Connor Bozick. The lineman didn’t catch on with a team following the conclusion of his four-year career at Delaware. The two-time All-Colonial Athletic Association recipient made 46 career appearance during his collegiate career. To make room on the roster, the team has waived-injured Brandon Chubb. The former Wake Forest standout has also had stints with the Rams and 49ers, although he’s yet to make an NFL appearance.
  • The Panthers announced that they swapped linebackers today, signing Zeek Bigger and waiving Alex Bazzie. Bigger, a 2016 undrafted free agent out of East Carolina, participated in the team’s rookie minicamp on a tryout basis. Bazzie joined the organization earlier this month following a brief stint with the Colts. The former undrafted free agent out of Marshall previously spent three seasons playing for the BC Lions of the CFL.
  • The Jets signed wideout Chris Harper today. The former Cal star appeared in nine games (two starts) for the 49ers last season, hauling in 13 receptions for 133 yards. He also spent time with the Patriots, spending time on their active roster and practice squad. To make room, tight end Braedon Bowman has been waived. The 23-year-old appeared in three games for the Jets last season. He was originally claimed off waivers by the organization in September.
  • The Bears have released wide receiver Jhajuan Seales, reports Alex Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (via Twitter). The Oklahoma State product finished his senior season with 37 receptions for 615 yards and four touchdowns. He signed as an undrafted free agent earlier this month.