The Miami Dolphins just pulled a seriously savvy move, scooping up former Penn State rookie running back Kaytron Allen off waivers from the Washington Commanders. This isn’t just about adding depth, though. This is a team working with a tight budget, thanks to over $100 million in dead cap hits over the next two seasons from released veterans like Tua Tagovailoa and Bradley Chubb. Picking up cheap, young talent is their only play, and this one feels like a win.
Dolphins’ Backfield Desperation Leads to a Steal
You gotta understand the situation in Miami right now. Losing De’Von Achane for the rest of the season to an ACL injury? Brutal. That left them scrambling for running back help. Ollie Gordon II is a decent No. 1 option, sure, and Jaylen Wright provides some depth, but even Wright’s a bit banged up. Their other options weren’t exactly inspiring confidence. So, when Adam Schefter broke the news that the Dolphins had claimed Allen, it made perfect sense. They needed a body, and they got a good one without breaking the bank. It’s a classic “make the most of a tough spot” move.
Commanders Fumble a Former Nittany Lion Star
It’s pretty wild to see how quickly things changed for Allen. He was a beast at Penn State last season, racking up 1,303 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns for the Nittany Lions. No wonder the Commanders drafted him at pick No. 187 in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. But after just four games? They released him. Four games! That’s a head-scratcher if you ask me. The Dolphins are now the lucky beneficiaries of that decision, with Allen jumping onto their 53-man roster to provide that much-needed quality depth in the backfield.
This is a smart pickup for Miami, plain and simple. They’re up against it with their cap situation and injury woes, so grabbing a talented rookie like Allen who showed flashes in college is exactly what they needed. He’s got a chance to step right in and make an impact for a team that’s hungry for any help they can get.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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