Dolphins Add Tight End and Linebacker in Monday Roster Moves
The Miami Dolphins announced a series of roster moves on Monday afternoon, signing tight end Ethan Conner and inside linebacker Jaheim Thomas. To make room, the team waived center Jim Bonifas and cornerback Ahmari Harvey.
Conner, a 6-foot-4, 245-pound undrafted free agent from Troy, had spent the spring and part of training camp with the Jacksonville Jaguars before being released. In three seasons with the Trojans, he recorded 680 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. NBC Sports reported that Conner was waived as part of the Jaguars' roster cuts.
Thomas, who went undrafted in 2025 after finishing his college career at Wisconsin, had been playing for Louisville in the UFL this year, amassing 64 tackles, a half-sack, a tackle for loss, and two passes defensed in 10 games.
Addressing Tight End Depth
The signing of Conner comes as the Dolphins are managing injuries and roster health well at tight end. Heavy., a sports news outlet, noted that after two preseason games, Miami has shown a lack of depth at many positions. The team has largely avoided major injuries to its key contributors, but that could change once the regular season begins.
According to Heavy., citing a Miami Herald report, the Dolphins are short-handed at tight end. Ben Sims, coping with turf toe, remains out, while Will Kacmarek has not been practicing for unclear reasons. Seydou Traore was also working on the side. This trio's availability has left the team relying more on veteran Greg Dulcich.
Dulcich, who re-signed with Miami on a one-year, $3 million contract for 2025, has become a focal point at the position. Heavy. reported that he previously struggled after a promising rookie season with Denver in 2022, where he accumulated over 400 receiving yards. In the following two seasons, he only managed 53 receiving yards. After the Giants in 2025 failed to make the roster, he signed with the Dolphins and wrapped up the year with at least 40 receiving yards in four of the final five games, with Darren Waller sidelined. Miami is now counting on Dulcich as its primary receiving option at tight end.
The expected competition between Will Kacmarek and Ben Sims for the starting in-line blocking role has been derailed by Sims' injury. If Kacmarek's absence extends significantly, Conner might see increased opportunities during the third preseason game against the Falcons. However, his odds of making the final 53-man roster are slim, despite the chance to showcase his ability in the coming weeks.
Looking Ahead
The Dolphins' front office and coaching staff will evaluate Conner and Thomas over the final week of training camp before roster cuts. The additions address current gaps but also aim to bolster the team's depth at a time when the roster's preparedness for the regulars is under scrutiny. The team's decision to pursue Conner also aligns with their broader effort to find a hidden gem at the quarterback's position, as the players surrounding quarterback Malik Willis are unproven.