Dolphins Fill Roster Gaps with Seven Waiver Claims, Including Cook and Joly

Key points

• The Dolphins claimed seven players off waivers, including QB Brady Cook, TE Justin Joly, CB Marcellas Dial Jr., OT Chukwuebuka Godrick, OT Jarrett Kingston, CB Reese Taylor, and S Julius Wood.
• Brady Cook, who went 0-4 as the Jets’ starter last season, joins Miami after failing to make the New York roster. Justin Joly was waived by the Broncos after being drafted in the fifth round.
• The Dolphins released veteran edge rusher Clelin Ferrell and CB A.J. Green III. They also waived CB Ethan Bonner, OT Marques Cox, WR AJ Henning, edge Max Llewellyn, and guard/tackle Josh Priebe.
• Tight end Ben Sims was placed on the injured reserve list. The team signed edge Malik Herring to bolster its defensive line.
• The Dolphins finalized a 53-man roster that included the youngest initial lineup in the league, prompting significant roster churn to adjust depth and experience levels.

Background

The Dolphins have been in a rebuild phase, recently hiring Jon-Eric Sullivan as GM and Jeff Hafley as head coach. Troy Aikman serves as a consultant under strict access rules. Earlier reports suggested the team might target affordable veterans on the waiver market to bolster depth, a strategy reflected in these recent claims.

How outlets are covering it

NBC Sports highlights the acquisition of Brady Cook and Justin Joly as key additions to a young roster. The Miami Dolphins official release provides a comprehensive list of all roster moves, including releases and waivers, emphasizing the team’s strategic adjustments. SI.com focuses on the players waived by the Dolphins who are most likely to be claimed by other teams, such as RB Jarquez Hunter and DT Fatorma Mulbah, offering a different perspective on the roster’s value and depth.

Why it matters

These moves signal the Dolphins’ intent to balance youth with experience, particularly at quarterback and tight end. The release of veterans like Ferrell indicates a shift in priorities, while the waiver claims suggest a focus on filling specific skill gaps. The outcome of these moves will impact the team’s immediate competitiveness and long-term development.

What to watch

The Dolphins will monitor the waiver claims for their released players, particularly those expected to be claimed by other teams. The team will also evaluate the performance of newly claimed players in upcoming games and practice sessions to determine their future roles.