The Miami Dolphins have initiated significant roster adjustments as the National Football League converges on its crucial 53-man roster deadline. In a series of moves announced on Tuesday, August 27, 2025, the team confirmed the signing of seasoned cornerback Rasul Douglas and the waiving of safety Jordan Colbert. These transactions underscore a busy period for the Dolphins’ front office as they finalize their playing squad for the upcoming season, a time often marked by strategic personnel decisions in professional sports news.
Rasul Douglas: A Proven Veteran Joins the Dolphins’ Defensive Unit
Rasul Douglas arrives in Miami with a wealth of NFL experience, having carved out an eight-season career across four different franchises. His extensive resume includes stints with the Philadelphia Eagles (2017-2019), Carolina Panthers (2020), Green Bay Packers (2021-2023), and most recently, the Buffalo Bills (2023-2024). Douglas, who will be 30 years old as the 2025 season approaches, brings a notable statistical profile to the Dolphins’ secondary. Throughout his career, he has accumulated 425 total tackles, including 345 solo efforts, alongside 2.0 sacks. His ball-hawking ability is highlighted by 19 interceptions, three of which he returned for touchdowns, and 79 passes defensed.
Douglas’s NFL journey began when he was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round (99th overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft out of West Virginia. His professional accolades include a Super Bowl LII victory with the Eagles, adding championship pedigree to his impressive list of accomplishments. His physical attributes—standing 6’2″ and weighing 209 lbs—along with his football instincts, make him a physically imposing presence in the defensive backfield. While not possessing elite speed, Douglas compensates with strong physicality and a keen understanding of angles and anticipation, attributes that have allowed him to consistently perform as a reliable pass defender and playmaker. His acquisition signals a commitment to strengthening the cornerback position with proven talent.
Jordan Colbert’s Departure and Practice Squad Considerations
Concurrently, the Dolphins waived safety Jordan Colbert, a player who joined the team as an undrafted free agent on May 10, 2024. Colbert spent the entirety of the 2024 season on the Dolphins’ practice squad, developing his skills away from the active roster. Prior to his time in Miami, Colbert played his final two collegiate seasons at the University of Rhode Island, where he recorded 96 tackles, two interceptions, and six passes defensed over 21 games. He also began his college career at Columbia University, earning All-Ivy League honors in his senior year.
His departure from the 53-man roster is a common outcome for players in his position during this critical roster-building phase. With the team needing to make final cuts, moves like Colbert’s often create space for veteran additions or players with more immediate proven impact. However, given his tenure on the practice squad, Colbert is considered a strong candidate to be re-signed to the practice squad, provided he clears waivers. This strategy allows the Dolphins to retain developmental talent while optimizing their active roster.
Broader Roster Strategy and Implications
The moves involving Douglas and Colbert are part of a larger trend observed across the league as teams navigate the August 26th deadline to trim their rosters to the mandated 53 players. The Dolphins, like many other franchises, are likely making strategic decisions to balance veteran experience with young talent and to account for potential injury situations. Reports indicate that the team might place some players who made the initial 53-man roster on injured reserve, which would subsequently open up additional spots. This maneuver is a common tactic to manage roster depth and cap space, allowing teams to retain players who might otherwise be lost to other clubs.
Douglas’s arrival could be particularly impactful given the potential need for experienced cornerbacks. His ability to contribute immediately to the secondary, coupled with his Super Bowl experience, provides a veteran presence that can elevate the team’s defensive capabilities. The decision to waive Colbert, while potentially disappointing for the young player, reflects the competitive nature of NFL roster construction and the organizational priorities for the upcoming season. It is not uncommon for teams to cycle players through waivers and practice squads to find the best combination of talent and financial flexibility.
The Dolphins’ activity on roster cutdown day also signals an intent to optimize their roster for the long haul, considering the competitive landscape of the AFC East. These personnel decisions, impacting both the active roster and the practice squad, are critical stepping stones toward building a cohesive and competitive unit for the 2025 NFL season. The dynamic nature of these moves is a staple of professional football news, reflecting the constant evaluation and adaptation required at the highest level of the sport.
Looking Ahead
The Miami Dolphins continue to shape their roster with these strategic acquisitions and departures. The addition of Rasul Douglas injects a proven cornerback with a championship pedigree into the secondary, aiming to enhance the team’s defensive performance. Meanwhile, the waiving of Jordan Colbert, while perhaps temporary if he returns to the practice squad, represents a typical roster maneuver during this demanding period. As the team finalizes its 53-man roster and constructs its practice squad, the focus will undoubtedly remain on building a competitive team capable of contending in the upcoming season. These moves are integral to the ongoing narrative of the Miami Dolphins’ journey through the 2025 NFL season.
