The directive of the Miami Dolphins continues to make roster moves with an eye toward the 2026 season of the NFL, in which the organization hopes to make the big leap towards the depths of the playoffs.
On Monday, the troop from the south of the Florida announced the hiring of the tight end Ethan Conner and the inside linebacker Jaheim Thomas. To make room on the roster, the Dolphins sacrificed center Jim Bonifas and the cornerback Ahmari Harvey.
The moves also come at an important point in the NFL calendar, as Miami is evaluating the lower part of its payroll and preparing to make complex decisions before the final cut of players.
Of the two additions, Thomas may be the most intriguing, especially considering the team’s current situation at linebackers.
The burly player spent his university career in Cincinnati, Arkansas and Wisconsin before going undrafted in 2025. After dropping out of college, Thomas participated in NFL tryouts and most recently played for the Louisville Kings of the UFL.
In the case of Conner the situation looks a little more difficult, since it is a position in which the Dolphins have several pieces to choose from. Miami began the week with a group of tight ends that included Greg Dulcich, Will Kacmarek, Seydou Traore, Cole Turner and Jeremiah Franklin.
Therefore, Conner will have reduced time to demonstrate his offensive skills in front of the team’s technical staff. For players who are added this late in August, the ability to make “special teams” becomes much more important.
No alternatives
Meanwhile, Bonifas was battling for a backup spot on the interior offensive line, behind the starting center. Aaron Brewer.
Harvey, in turn, leaves the team at a time when Miami continues to shake up its cornerback group. The Dolphins recently claimed Jai’Onte’ McMillan and have continued to evaluate different secondary combinations.
Harvey, a Florida native, was struggling with pieces like Ethan Bonner, Darrell Baker Jr., Marco Wilson and Storm Duck for a quota.
