Dolphins Hand Out Name Tags, Make Lots of Summer Moves

Since the 2021 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins have been on the move for players that will improve their franchise. The team hasn’t been shy with cuts and acquisitions over the summer.

Miami Releases Veteran Captain Bobby McCain

On May 6 the Dolphins made arguably their biggest splash when they released captain and veteran safety Bobby McCain. McCain was a former fifth-round-pick-turned-star who started a career-best 15 games in 2020, compiling 46 tackles, five passes defensed and an interception. He played in 87 career games for the club with 55 starts and will now take his talents to the Washington Football Team.

But since his release, all Miami has done is add players to their roster.

Basketball Standout Jibri Blount Signs with Fins

The first player on a very long list of acquisitions post-draft is tight end Jibri Blount, also on May 6. Blount is a 6-foot, 5-inch, 245 pound, 24-year-old basketball player. He spent his college career playing basketball at Cleveland State University and North Carolina Central University, but signed with the Dolphins after converting to football in 2021.

Veteran Jason McCourty Hangs Up Battle Coat for Flippers

Another acquisition the Dolphins made since the draft was that of the defensive back position. Veteran Jason McCourty joined the roster the very next day after tenures with the Tennessee Titans (eight years) and Cleveland Browns (one year) and New England Patriots (three years).

McCourty is 33 years old, and has racked up 106 pass deflections, 18 interceptions, nine forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries and 588 solo tackles in those 13 seasons. The veteran is a proven exceptional athlete, and one of the best at his position over the past decade, especially when playing beside his brother, Devin, in New England. McCourty was a big piece of the New England defense in his time spent there, and the Dolphins adding him to their roster will almost ensure solidarity to their secondary.

Dolphins Sign Two Late-Round Draft Picks

Miami also signed offensive tackle Larnel Coleman, who was its seventh-round pick in this year’s NFL Draft out of the University of Massachusetts. The running back Gerrid Doaks, who was another seventh-round pick out of the University of Cincinnati.

Handful of Acuqirees Hope to Make Team

The Dolphins also acquired cornerback Jaytlin Askew from Georgia Tech, defensive tackle Jerome Johnson from the University of Indiana, guard Robert Jones from Middle Tennessee State and undrafted free agent fullback/TE Carl Tucker from the University of Alabama all on May 13.

Dolphins Get Deal Done with Waddle

The very next day the team also signed newly-drafted wide receiver, Jaylen Waddle, from Alabama who was its first round pick (No. 6 overall) in this year’s draft.

Guys Come in and out on Waivers

On the 17th of the month, Miami was also awarded cornerback Trill Williams off waivers, via the New Orleans Saints.

Miami also signed offensive tackle Timon Parris from Washington three days later on May 20.

Miami Gets Deal Done with Phillips

Fast forward into June, and Miami officially signed first-round draft pick Jaelan Phillips on the 9th.

Offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor would also join the team at the expense of newly-signed Parris who was waived after less than one month on the roster.

Veteran Jerome Baker Gets Extended Through 2024

Finally, the final big move for the Dolphins was their extension of linebacker Jerome Baker.

On June 13th, the team extended Baker’s contract through the 2024 season.

Baker offers a solid starter resume for the Dolphins with two interceptions, four forced fumbles, one touchdown, 11.5 sacks and 203 solo tackles to his name in his time there.

These additions to the Dolphins will hopefully give the team the push they need to make the playoffs in the upcoming season.

Editor’s Note: Jibri Blount and Jaytlin Askew do not have a player profile on profootballreference.com, the site FPC Dolphins uses to highlight players.

– Christian Chappell is a Sports Contributor for Full Press Coverage Miami Dolphins. Like and follow on Follow @cmoneypc Follow @FPC_Dolphins and Facebook.