The Miami Dolphins are in the final stages of shaping their 53-man roster, a critical process that culminates today, Tuesday, August 26, 2025, with the league-mandated 4 p.m. ET deadline. Amidst a flurry of moves, the team has bolstered its secondary with the significant signing of veteran cornerback Rasul Douglas. This crucial period sees teams across the NFL trimming their rosters from 90 players down to the final 53, a day marked by tough decisions and the realization of countless players’ NFL dreams.
Roster Countdown: The Final Hours
The NFL’s cutdown day is one of the most intense periods on the league calendar. By 4 p.m. ET today, every franchise must pare down its expanded training camp roster to the active 53-player limit. This means that approximately 1,184 players across the league will be released, with many seeking new opportunities via waivers or free agency. For the Dolphins, Head Coach Mike McDaniel and General Manager Chris Grier have been meticulously evaluating talent throughout training camp and the preseason, facing the difficult task of identifying the players who best fit the team’s strategy and depth requirements for the upcoming 2025 season.
Douglas Arrives: Shoring Up the Secondary
In a notable move that signals intent for the Dolphins’ defense, the team officially announced the signing of veteran cornerback Rasul Douglas. The move addresses a key area of need for Miami, which has seen turnover in its defensive backfield. Douglas, an eight-year veteran who previously played for the Green Bay Packers and Buffalo Bills, inked a one-year deal worth $3 million. His experience and proven ability in coverage are expected to provide immediate stability to the Dolphins’ cornerback group. Douglas’s arrival comes after a period of considerable change in the Dolphins’ secondary, including the high-profile trade of Jalen Ramsey earlier in the offseason, which brought Minkah Fitzpatrick back to Miami.
Douglas, who will turn 30 later this year, brings a strong track record. He spent the previous season with the Buffalo Bills, where he demonstrated effectiveness, often surrendering a low completion rate when targeted. His history includes a Super Bowl LII victory as a rookie with the Philadelphia Eagles, showcasing his ability to perform on the biggest stages. The Dolphins will hope he can recapture that form and provide a reliable presence on the outside.
Key Departures: Who Didn’t Make the Cut?
As teams finalize their rosters, many players who showed promise during training camp or have prior NFL experience find themselves on the outside looking in. The Dolphins have been busy releasing a multitude of players in the days leading up to and on cutdown day. Among the notable cuts are veteran cornerback Mike Hilton, who was signed early in training camp. Running backs Aaron Shampklin and Mike Boone have also been released, moves that come in the wake of previous injuries at the position.
On the defensive side, edge rusher Grayson Murphy, who impressed as a pass rusher during camp, was let go, though the team reportedly has interest in signing him to the practice squad if he clears waivers. Safety John Saunders Jr., known for his ball-hawking abilities and a preseason interception, also faced release but could be a practice squad candidate. Wide receiver Erik Ezukanma, a former draft pick, and promising rookie receivers Andrew Armstrong and Theo Wease Jr. were among the wideouts released, reflecting the depth and competition at that position. The offensive line and defensive line units also saw significant trimming, with players like Jackson Carman, Jalen McKenzie, Ben Stille, and Matt Dickerson being among those released.
Navigating the Numbers Game: Practice Squad and IR
The roster cutdown process isn’t just about releasing players; it’s also about strategically managing the players who don’t make the initial 53-man roster but still have a future with the team. The practice squad is a crucial element, allowing teams to develop talent and have depth options. Players like Grayson Murphy and John Saunders Jr. are prime candidates to be re-signed to the practice squad if they clear waivers.
Injuries also play a significant role in these decisions. Kicker Jason Sanders is expected to miss the start of the season with a hip injury, prompting the need for an interim solution. Safety Ashton Davis and offensive lineman Andrew Meyer are candidates for Injured Reserve designations with the ability to return, which would allow them to remain with the team without counting against the 53-man limit for the initial part of the season. These designations are critical for managing roster spots when key players are sidelined.
Building for the Future: Roster Implications
The series of cuts and the signing of Rasul Douglas paint a clearer picture of the Dolphins’ intended roster for the 2025 season. The focus on bolstering the secondary with experienced talent like Douglas suggests a commitment to improving pass defense. The decisions made today reflect a competitive environment fostered throughout camp, where players had to earn their spots. For a team that has aimed to build a stronger identity, these moves are pivotal in shaping the team’s competitive edge. The depth at certain positions, such as wide receiver and the offensive line, led to some difficult choices, with many players who performed well in preseason games still being let go due to numbers.
Trending Miami: The Road Ahead
This day of roster movement is significant news for Miami Dolphins fans, as it finalizes the group that will represent the team in the upcoming season. The trending narrative around the Dolphins involves a mix of established veterans and emerging talent, with the coaching staff aiming to balance immediate competitiveness with long-term development. The moves made today are a clear indication of the team’s priorities as they prepare to kick off the regular season. The Dolphins will look to build on the potential shown in training camp and overcome any lingering questions about depth or consistency as the competition intensifies in the coming weeks.
The Dolphins, like all NFL teams, now turn their attention to preparing for Week 1. The work of roster construction is never truly finished, with waiver claims and practice squad signings continuing to be a part of the weekly landscape. However, with the 53-man roster set, the focus shifts squarely to game preparation and the pursuit of success in the 2025 NFL season.
