Dolphins Fill Practice Squad with Former Packers and Cowboys Busts

Key points

• Miami signed WR Will Sheppard and CB Jaylin Simpson to the practice squad after both were cut by the Green Bay Packers.
• The Dolphins also added former Cowboys first-round pick Mazi Smith and veteran edge rusher Clelin Ferrell to their practice squad.
• Miami released tight end Jeremiah Franklin and inside linebacker Cam Riley to make room for new signings.
• The team is preparing for its season opener against the Las Vegas Raiders on September 13.
• General Manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, a former Packers executive, has overseen multiple acquisitions of ex-Packers players.

Background

The Dolphins have significantly overhauled their roster following the 2026 NFL Draft and training camp. Earlier this month, Miami traded a 2028 sixth-round pick to the Green Bay Packers for quarterback Kyle McCord, who now serves as the backup to starter Malik Willis. This transaction was part of a larger effort to solidify the quarterback depth chart after the team released other prospects like Mark Gronowski. The current practice squad moves are the latest in a series of adjustments aimed at finalizing the 53-man roster and ensuring adequate depth for the upcoming regular season.

How outlets are covering it

The Journal Sentinel emphasizes the thematic connection between the Miami Dolphins and the Green Bay Packers, highlighting that the team has added multiple former Packers across various levels, from the front office to the practice squad. In contrast, ProFootballRumors focuses on the specific transactional details, noting that the Dolphins cut quarterback Mark Gronowski to make room for seven waiver claims, including the addition of Brady Cook. Heavy.com provides a broader context, linking the signing of Mazi Smith to the Dolphins' need for defensive depth ahead of their Week 1 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, while also noting the uncertainty surrounding the Raiders' own quarterback decision. The official Miami Dolphins press release remains neutral, simply listing the players added and released without editorializing on the strategic implications of these moves.

Why it matters

These practice squad moves are critical for the Dolphins as they finalize their roster ahead of the regular season. By acquiring players like Sheppard and Simpson, Miami is securing depth at key positions while also leveraging relationships with former Packers personnel. The addition of Mazi Smith and Clelin Ferrell provides the team with experienced defensive options, which is essential for a team looking to improve its defensive performance. These decisions will directly impact the team's ability to compete in the AFC East and could influence their long-term roster strategy.

What to watch

The Dolphins will continue to evaluate their practice squad players in the coming weeks, with the goal of promoting any standout performers to the active roster. The team will also monitor the health of key players, including defensive lineman Kenneth Grant, who has been dealing with a leg injury. As the season opener against the Las Vegas Raiders approaches on September 13, the Dolphins will need to ensure that their roster is fully prepared to handle the challenges of the regular season.