Dolphins Bid Tearful Farewell to Promising Receiver and Veteran Cornerback in Final Cuts

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Miami Dolphins completed their final roster cuts on Tuesday, trimming down to the 53 players for the start of the 2024 season by the 4 p.m. deadline.

Among the notable cuts were third-year wide receiver Erik Ezukanma, cornerback Nik Needham, and defensive tackles Neville Gallimore and Jonathan Harris, who were signed as free agents in March.

Two undrafted rookies, cornerback Storm Duck and offensive lineman Andrew Meyer, secured spots on the roster, continuing the trend of at least one undrafted free agent making Miami’s initial 53-man roster for the fourth consecutive year.

Other players who managed to secure their positions include running back Jeff Wilson Jr., tight end Tanner Conner, defensive tackles Da’Shawn Hand and Brandon Pili, linebackers Channing Tindall and Quinton Bell, cornerback Ethan Bonner, and safety Patrick McMorris.

The Miami Dolphins made significant roster decisions on Tuesday as they finalized their 53-man roster for the start of the 2024 NFL season. With the deadline looming, the Dolphins made over 30 cuts to shape their team, leading to several notable departures and adjustments.

Cornerback Cam Smith and wide receiver River Cracraft will start the season on injured reserve, allowing the Dolphins to make two such designations without impacting the initial roster count. Additionally, second-year running back Chris Brooks was waived with an injury settlement after struggling with concussion issues. Offensive tackle Ryan Hayes and wide receiver Braylon Sanders were also waived/injured.

The Dolphins also opted to keep a roster spot open due to wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. starting the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, sidelining him for the first four weeks. Long snapper Blake Ferguson was released but is expected to be re-signed once another roster move is made, potentially involving placing another player on injured reserve.

Other players released include wide receivers Mike Harley, Je’Quan Burton, Kyric McGown, and Jadon Janke, as well as cornerbacks Jason Maitre and Isaiah Johnson, safety Jordan Colbert, linebackers Curtis Bolton, Dequan Jackson, and David Anenih, running backs Anthony McFarland Jr. and Zander Horvath, tight end Hayden Rucci, offensive linemen Matthew Jones, Bayron Matos, and Chasen Hines, and defensive tackles Leonard Payne, Robert Cooper, and Isaiah Mack. Outside linebacker Wyatt Ray was placed on season-ending injured reserve.

Among the notable cuts, Erik Ezukanma, entering his third NFL season after being drafted in the fourth round in 2022, was released. Despite a promising start, Ezukanma faced a challenging 2023 season due to injuries. He was last seen in a walking boot at the preseason finale. Veteran cornerback Nik Needham, who had a successful career with the Dolphins after being undrafted, was also cut. His departure marks the end of his five-season tenure with Miami.

Defensive tackle Neville Gallimore, who joined the team from the Dallas Cowboys in free agency, was cut, resulting in $1.79 million in dead cap space. Former Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Mike Harley and recent signing Jadon Janke, among others, were also let go despite making some contributions during the preseason.

The Dolphins also faced a tough decision with defensive tackles Leonard Payne and Robert Cooper, who were cut despite showing promise during the preseason. Payne had several tackles for loss and a sack, while Cooper was signed just before the cuts.

In addition to these moves, Miami announced that wide receiver Anthony Schwartz would be placed on season-ending injured reserve on Sunday, along with the release of quarterback Mike White and tight end Jody Fortson.

Coach Mike McDaniel confirmed that outside linebackers Bradley Chubb and Cameron Goode, along with offensive lineman Isaiah Wynn, would remain on the PUP list. Despite the tough decisions, veteran running back Raheem Mostert, who previously faced similar challenges, expressed the bittersweet nature of roster cuts. Defensive tackle Zach Sieler also secured his place on the team after being waived by Baltimore.

Overall, the Dolphins’ roster moves reflect the team’s strategic adjustments and the high stakes of shaping a competitive squad for the upcoming season.