The Miami Dolphins have to cut their roster from 90 players to 53 by Tuesday afternoon.
“One of my least favorite days that exist,” Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said last week. “This one is probably going to be the worst that we’ve had just based on there’s a lot of roster battles that will be decided today and as well as the preseason game in a couple nights.”
So who will make the squad? Here’s our guess at what the 53-man roster will look like when the dust settles:
Quarterbacks (3)
Tua Tagovailoa, Zach Wilson, Quinn Ewers
There’s no tough decision here, but the progression of Quinn Ewers is encouraging for the future. Zach Wilson remains tied to a $6 million guaranteed contract; otherwise, there might be serious consideration for Ewers to ascend to the backup role. Regardless, this Dolphins offense still revolves around Tua Tagovailoa.
Running backs (4)
De’Von Achane, Ollie Gordon II, Jaylen Wright, Alec Ingold (FB)
This position has experienced a rollercoaster of issues over the past few weeks. Jaylen Wright is week-to-week with an injury, and De’Von Achane is dealing with a calf ailment. The bright side is that rookie Ollie Gordon II has looked incredible in preseason.
Achane should be ready for Week 1, and Gordon has shown he can clearly handle significant work. Should Miami want to give Mike Boone a spot, it would mean sacrifice at another position group they may not be able to afford, specifically, wide receiver.
Wide receivers (6)
Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Malik Washington, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Tahj Washington, Dee Eskridge
This is a deep group with a set top three of Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and emerging second-year talent Malik Washington. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine offers value as a red-zone threat and as a capable blocker.
The final decision may come down to Tahj Washington or Dee Eskridge. Cutting either will be difficult, and the team could ultimately carry six receivers, especially with Eskridge’s value as a returner.
Tight ends (3)
Darren Waller, Pharaoh Brown, Julian Hill
There is uncertainty about how ready and effective veteran Darren Waller will be after sitting out all of 2024. He is the only true pass-catching threat in this unit. Pharaoh Brown and Julian Hill are blocking-focused, in-line tight ends who should both make the 53-man roster. However, if Miami wants to carry a pass-catching option like Tanner Conner, one of the blockers could become expendable.
Offensive line (8)
Patrick Paul, Jonah Savaiinaea, Aaron Brewer, James Daniels, Austin Jackson, Braeden Daniels, Josh Priebe, Larry Borom
Braeden Daniels and undrafted rookie Josh Priebe may be needed for depth, putting veteran Daniel Brunskill at risk. If Miami finds a swing tackle on the waiver wire, Brunskill could be a cut candidate in favor of youth.
Defensive line (6)
Zach Sieler, Kenneth Grant, Benito Jones, Jordan Phillips, Matt Dickerson, Zeek Biggers
The top four are locks, while Matt Dickerson has played well enough for serious consideration. Rookie Zeek Biggers offers versatility and special teams potential, making it feasible to carry six players, especially given the rotation defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver prefers.
Linebackers (10)
Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb, Chop Robinson, Jordyn Brooks, Tyrel Dodson, K.J. Britt, Willie Gay Jr., Matt Judon, Derrick McLendon, Grayson Murphy
The signing of Matt Judon could force Grayson Murphy or Derrick McLendon to be cut, despite strong summers and preseason performances from both. A surprise cut candidate could be Quinton Bell if the Dolphins choose to prioritize potential. McLendon could be snatched up through waivers if he’s cut, and Murphy has shown his pass-rushing prowess during the preseason.
Cornerbacks (5)
Storm Duck, Jack Jones, Jason Marshall Jr., Kendall Sheffield, Mike Hilton
With Jason Marshall Jr. starting in the slot during Miami’s dress rehearsal against the Jaguars, veteran Mike Hilton’s spot may be in jeopardy. However, if Cam Smith gets a pink slip, Hilton could hold slightly more value as a nickel option.
Storm Duck and Jack Jones appear to be the boundary corners, with Ethan Bonner potentially headed to the short-term IR. Kendall Sheffield rounds out the depth chart. Cornerback remains a position where Miami could add a free agent or a scrap heap player for extra depth when the cut dust settles.
Safeties (5)
Minkah Fitzpatrick, Elijah Campbell, Ifeatu Melifonwu, Ashtyn Davis, Dante Trader Jr.
Ashtyn Davis appears to be progressing from his earlier training camp injury and may avoid IR. Elijah Campbell should make the roster due to his special teams value. The final spot could come down to Patrick McMorris or Dante Trader Jr. if a cut is made. Miami would hope either could clear waivers and return to the practice squad. This will likely come down to which player the team feels is less risky to expose.
Specialists (3)
Jason Sanders, Jake Bailey, Joe Cardona
Jake Bailey won the punter battle, and Jason Sanders should be set for the season despite leaving to the locker room with trainers before the Jaguars game. He is expected to be ready for Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts.