Phins Release Four Players as Team Takes Shape

Dolphins release four players to dial in their vision

The Miami Dolphins trimmed the fat from the roster today, releasing four players: long snapper Blake Ferguson, cornerback Ryan Cooper Jr., defensive tackle Neil Farrell, and offensive lineman Chasen Hines. There weren’t many surprises—except for Ferguson, one of the rare Chris Grier draft picks who actually stuck around.

Expect more turnover in the coming weeks as the team preps for training camp. There will be additions and subtractions, even if the big news lately has been Jalen Ramsey. But with this team, you never know what’s coming next.

Now, unfortunately, Liam Eichenberg’s contract is fully guaranteed—so don’t expect to see his name among the cuts anytime soon.

Let’s break down the moves:

Ryan Cooper Jr. was claimed off waivers from Seattle earlier this year. His release might raise an eyebrow considering the question marks in the secondary, but it’s not shocking. Miami added a ton of youth in the draft and through undrafted free agents, and Cooper simply fell too far down the pecking order. At this point, he wasn’t even a lock for a camp body. Expect the Dolphins to look at a veteran corner soon to stabilize the group.

Chasen Hines, an offensive lineman, signed a reserve/future deal in January. Like Cooper, he was buried under the influx of new blood—Jonah Savaiinaea and multiple UDFA linemen—who offer more upside and flexibility. The staff has seen enough of Hines to know what he brings, and he could always be called back if injuries strike or a younger guy flops.

Neil Farrell, the defensive tackle, got some game reps but wasn’t consistent enough to carve out a role. Miami will likely keep 5–6 defensive linemen on the final roster. With the new draft picks Grant, Phillips, and Biggers (love that name) joining the likes of Zach Sieler, Benito Jones, and a (hopefully healthy) Bradley Chubb, Farrell simply became the odd man out. You can bet with the best pay per head that a veteran addition to the group wouldn’t be surprising either.

Blake Ferguson is the big surprise here. A sixth-round pick in 2020, Ferguson played in 72 games over five seasons and was a dependable piece of Miami’s special teams. He missed the back end of 2024 due to a medical issue, and the team used practice squad fill-ins during his absence. Blake was a solid Phin and a rare Grier draft pick to pan out. But as they say, the NFL stands for “Not For Long.” Here’s hoping he lands with another team soon.

Old Dolphins youth movement full steam ahead

These moves signal a continued youth movement in Miami. After adding eight players in the 2025 NFL Draft and a slew of UDFAs, the Dolphins are clearly committed to reshaping the roster with young, hungry talent.

The bottom line? The Dolphins are building with an eye on both now and the future. These kinds of moves are part of the process—and part of staying competitive in today’s NFL.