Miami Dolphins Trim Roster By 12 Players Ahead of 53-Man Limit
According to official team announcements on August 29, 2026, the Miami Dolphins waived 12 players following their preseason finale against the Atlanta Falcons. The group of cuts includes cornerback Alex Austin, running back Coleman Bennett, tackle Kevin Cline, edge Seth Coleman-Lyles, tight end Ethan Conner, inside linebacker Stephen Dix Jr., running back Donovan Edwards, defensive lineman Alex Huntley, safety Louis Moore, defensive lineman Cam Rice, inside linebacker Jaheim Thomas, and wide receiver Theo Wease Jr. All 12 players are now subject to waivers, meaning they are free to negotiate with other franchises if they clear.
Theo Wease Jr. Cut After Offseason Draft Additions
Theo Wease Jr. represents the only player among the 12 cuts who saw playing time for Miami last season, according to reporting by Sports Illustrated. Wease worked his way up from the practice squad late in the 2025 campaign to earn two appearances on the active roster. He caught a 63-yard touchdown pass from Quinn Ewers during a Week 17 victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
However, his path to the 2026 roster narrowed significantly during the NFL draft when the Dolphins selected three wide receivers, per Sports Illustrated. Wease struggled during the preseason finale against Atlanta, dropping a pass in the end zone and drawing an illegal formation penalty.
Did you know? Louis Moore earned AP second-team All-America and first-team All-Big Ten honors in 2025 while helping the Indiana Hoosiers capture the first national championship in school history before signing with Miami as an undrafted free agent.
Secondary and Roster Depth Decisions
Cornerback Alex Austin stood out as one of the most notable cuts of the initial wave, according to Sports Illustrated. Austin faced fierce competition for reserve spots among a defensive backfield that includes Ethan Bonner, Miles Battle, A.J. Green III, and Marco Wilson. Team officials may evaluate Austin as a potential candidate for the practice squad.
Out of the 12 waived players, Coleman Bennett, Ethan Conner, Stephen Dix Jr., Cam Rice, and Jaheim Thomas joined the franchise after training camp opened. Seth Coleman-Lyles experienced a brief return after being previously waived by the club, while Kevin Cline, Conner, Moore, and Rice entered the league as rookie free agents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to the waived players now?
According to Sports Illustrated, all 12 players are subject to the NFL waiver wire. If they clear waivers, they become unrestricted free agents and can sign with any team.
Why was Theo Wease Jr. waived?
Wease faced intense competition after Miami drafted three wide receivers in April and struggled during the preseason finale against the Atlanta Falcons, committing a dropped pass and a penalty.
Did any of the waived players appear in games for Miami previously?
Yes. Theo Wease Jr. is the sole player among the group who appeared in regular-season games for the Dolphins during the 2025 season.
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