As the Miami Dolphins finalize their 53-man roster ahead of Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season, the front office is making high-stakes adjustments across several position groups. From a sudden crunch at quarterback to shifts in the receiving core and linebacking unit, Miami’s final roster cuts offer a clear look at where the team stands—and where emergency moves are still required.
The Quarterback Room: Malik Willis Left Solo
The most glaring storyline coming out of camp is Miami’s volatile quarterback depth chart. Having recently traded backup Quinn Ewers to the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Dolphins entered cutdown week with minimal insurance under center.
That depth evaporated entirely after Miami waived both Cam Miller and 2026 undrafted free agent Mark Gronowski.
As noted by NFL analyst Rivers McCown, cutting Gronowski leaves starter Malik Willis as the only quarterback currently on the Dolphins’ active 53-man roster. While Gronowski is expected to return to Miami’s practice squad if he clears waivers, the front office faces an immediate deadline to sign or trade for a viable QB2 before their season opener.
Linebacker Shift: Youth Movement Trumps Experience
In a surprising move on defense, the Dolphins released veteran linebacker Tyrel Dodson. The 28-year-old was expected to provide veteran stability, but he was ultimately outplayed in camp by rookie second-round pick Jacob Rodriguez.
Rodriguez impressed the coaching staff throughout the preseason, officially winning a starting linebacker job and rendering Dodson expendable. Dodson will now search for a fresh start elsewhere, while Miami officially commits to a younger, high-upside defensive core.
Wide Receiver Room: Terrace Marshall Cut
Miami also trimmed its receiving corps by releasing Terrace Marshall Jr., a decision first reported by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Marshall, a former 2021 second-round pick by the Carolina Panthers, joined Miami earlier this offseason on a reserve/future contract. However, he was unable to stand out in training camp. Having last appeared in a regular-season game with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024, Marshall fell short in his bid to secure a roster spot in what remains one of the league’s most heavily scrutinized receiver groups.
What’s Next for Miami?
With Week 1 fast approaching, Miami’s priority is singular: find a backup quarterback immediately. Expect heavy activity on the waiver wire and free-agent market over the next 48 hours as the front office fills out the rest of the 53-man roster and 16-player practice squad.
