The Miami Dolphins just wrapped up their 2026 NFL Preseason schedule with a loss to the Atlanta Falcons, and now the clock is seriously ticking. With the NFL’s 90-man roster needing to shrink to 53 by 6 p.m. Eastern on Sunday, August 30, the Fins have 13 more players to cut from their current 66-man squad. And honestly, it’s looking like a brutal path ahead for Miami this year.
Dodson’s Exit and the Rapid Fire Roster Moves
The cuts are coming in fast, and one of the earliest announcements definitely raised some eyebrows. Veteran linebacker Tyrel Dodson is out, reportedly beaten out for a starting role by rookie Jacob Rodriguez. That’s a shocker! Dodson is now a free agent, free to sign anywhere. He’s not alone though, the Dolphins have been busy. Cam Miller, a quarterback, and tight end Jeremiah Franklin are also among the early releases. And don’t forget the trade that sent quarterback Quinn Ewers packing to the Jaguars.
The latest wave of cuts is hitting hard too, with a ton of names coming across the wire. Tackles Gottlieb Ayedze and Kevin Cline are gone. Running backs Carlos Washington, Jr., Coleman Bennett, and Donovan Edwards got the news. Cornerbacks Miles Battle, Jai’Onte McMillan, Marco Wilson, Alex Austin, and Lonnie Johnson are no longer with the team. Wide receivers Terrace Marshall, Jr., and Theo Wease, Jr. were released. Linebackers Cam Riley, Stephen Dix, Jr., and Jaheim Thomas are out. Defensive linemen Seth Coleman-Lyles, Alex Huntley, and Cam Rice were also cut, alongside safeties Major Burns and Louis Moore. It’s a serious house-cleaning.
A Rebuild That Even Oddsmakers Are Doubting
Miami’s preseason was rough, marked by losses to the Commanders, Giants, and that final game against the Falcons. Those evaluations are done, and the coaches are clearly making some tough calls. But the big picture? It’s not pretty. According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the Dolphins have the longest odds to make the playoffs in the AFC at a staggering +1500. The New York Jets, for comparison, are next at +700. Yikes. That tells you everything about the league’s expectations for this team in 2026.
It’s clear this season is all about a rebuild, and coaches are hoping this aggressive roster churn helps them find players who can stick around and grow into 2027 and beyond. It’s not just about getting to 53 players; this roster is anything but final. Expect a constant rotation of players being re-signed, claimed off waivers, or brought in as free agents even before the season starts. And honestly, for a team with these kinds of odds, that bottom of the roster is probably going to be a revolving door all year long.
With the final 53 set and the regular season kicking off on Wednesday, September 9, this roster churn isn’t stopping. Miami will likely be shifting players all year long, desperately trying to find pieces that can grow with the team into 2027 and beyond. It’s a tough road for the Dolphins, and these early cuts are just the beginning of a long rebuild.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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