Miami Waives RB De’Lance Turner: What It Means

The Miami Dolphins announced they have waived backup running back De’Lance Turner on Saturday. Turner has since cleared waivers and is currently a free agent.

The Baltimore Ravens practice squad pick up was likely on his way out the door sometime this offseason after Miami signed, drafted, or traded for three backs during the 2020 NFL Draft.

Turner signed with the Dolphins on Nov. 5, 2019 off of the Ravens practice squad. Turner signed with Baltimore as an undrafted college free agent out of Alcorn State on May 4, 2019 but was used in just four games for the Ravens.

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Turner’s Usage Was Backup Only

Miami saw Turner play in eight games for the club during the 2019 campaign, but didn’t garner much work. Despite the rotating RB situation for the Dolphins, Turner never surpassed fellow backs Patrick Laird or Myles Gaskin in terms of on-field usage. In his eight games he had just four carries for six yards and was used primarily on special teams. He was in a true backup role in case of injury.

Turner almost earned a late-season start after Gaskin fell on injured reserve and Laird was banged up. However, Laird did not miss any time and Turner served as the primary backup in the game. 

Why Turner Landed in South Beach

The Dolphins went out and picked up Turner after they traded away Kenyan Drake to the Arizona Cardinals, Kalen Ballage fell on IR and Mark Walton was released. While Miami needed Turner for insurance due to the unfortunate usage of RBs, it was unlikely the team planned to keep him beyond 2019.

Three New Backs Pushed Turner Out

Additionally, the Dolphins signed free agent veteran RB Jordan Howard at the beginning of free agency, traded for San Francisco 49ers RB Matt Breida during the draft and drafted offensive utility player Malcolm Perry from the United States Naval Academy. 

With at least Howard and Breida destined to make the 55-man roster barring any injury, Perry’s versatility should slot him over any other remaining backs on the roster. With the Dolphins unlikely to move on from Laird and Gaskin, Turner had no spot on the roster.

– Kayla Morton is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Miami Dolphins. Like and follow on Follow @northdakayla74 Follow @FPC_Dolphins and Facebook.