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Miami Dolphins sign Nixon   Download PDF version

March 7, 2024

Miami Dolphins sign Nixon

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins announced they have signed defensive tackle Daviyon Nixon.

Nixon has played in 14 NFL games during two seasons (2021-22) with Carolina. He also spent time on Seattle’s active roster in 2022. Nixon has recorded 15 career tackles (four solo), 0.5 sacks and two quarterback hits. He originally entered the NFL as a fifth-round pick (158th overall) by Carolina in the 2021 NFL Draft. Nixon played collegiately at Iowa, where he was a consensus first-team All-American and the Big Ten Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2020.

Name Pos. Hgt. Wgt. Birthdate Exp. College Hometown Acq.
Daviyon Nixon DT 6-3 305 12/13/98 3 Iowa ’21 Kenosha, Wis. FA, ‘24
Miami Dolphins make roster moves   Download PDF version

March 5, 2024

Miami Dolphins make roster moves

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins announced they have signed defensive tackle Isaiah Mack and released/failed physical linebacker Jerome Baker and defensive back Keion Crossen.

Baker was a third-round pick (73rd overall) by Miami in the 2018 NFL Draft. He played in 94 career games with 82 starts for Miami, totaling 581 tackles (378 solo), 22.5 sacks, five interceptions, 21 passes defensed and six forced fumbles. Baker led the Dolphins in tackles in three consecutive seasons from 2019-21 and was selected a team captain in 2019. He earned AFC Defensive Player of the Month honors in December 2021 and was the team’s Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee in 2021. Baker became the first Dolphin since at least 2000 to record 500-plus tackles in the first five years (2018-22) of his career.

Crossen joined Miami as an unrestricted free agent in 2022. He played in 16 games with two starts in 2022 before missing the 2023 season due to injury. Crossen has played in 75 career games with six starts, totaling 76 tackles (55 solo), one sack, 10 passes defensed, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. He also has 42 career special teams stops (30 solo). Crossen originally entered the NFL as a seventh-round pick (243rd overall) by New England in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Mack has played in 25 career games with one start over four different seasons. He’s totaled 17 career tackles (seven solo), 2.5 sacks and one fumble recovery. Mack originally entered the NFL as an undrafted college free agent with Tennessee in 2019. He’s appeared in games with Tennessee (2019-20), New England (2020) and Baltimore (2021-22). Mack has also spent time with Denver (2021), Pittsburgh (2021), Seattle (2022), the N.Y. Jets (2023) and Washington (2023). He played collegiately at Chattanooga.

Name Pos. Hgt. Wgt. Birthdate Exp. College Hometown Acq.
Isaiah Mack DT 6-1 299 3/19/96 5 Chattanooga ’19 Tunnel Hill, Ga. FA, ‘24
Miami Dolphins release Ogbah   Download PDF version

February 23, 2024

Miami Dolphins release Ogbah

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins announced they have released defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah.

Ogbah spent four seasons (2020-23) with the Dolphins, appearing in 57 games with 27 starts. He totaled 114 tackles (66 solo), 24.0 sacks, one interception, 19 passes defensed, five forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries with Miami. Ogbah led the team in sacks in 2020 (9.0) and 2021 (9.0) and was named the team’s Nat Moore Community Service Award winner in 2022. He has played in eight NFL seasons, also appearing in games with Cleveland (2016-18) and Kansas City (2019). Ogbah originally entered the NFL as a second-round pick (32nd overall) by Cleveland in the 2016 NFL Draft.

Dolphins name Weaver defensive coordinator   Download PDF version

February 3, 2024

Dolphins name Weaver defensive coordinator

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins announced today that they have named Anthony Weaver defensive coordinator.

The 2024 season will mark Weaver’s 20th season in the NFL – his 13th as a coach after seven as an NFL player. He brings a wealth of experience to the Dolphins, having previously worked as an NFL defensive coordinator, and a proven track record of developing players on some of the league’s top defenses.

“I am excited to add Anthony to our staff, not only for what he will bring to the Dolphins as a teacher and coach, but even more so who he is as a leader of men,” said head coach Mike McDaniel. “He has a proven resume of success, built on his personal investment in his players. Most importantly, he shares our belief that player development is the cornerstone to both team building and sustained excellence. Through conversations with him and those who have worked with him, it became clear that we have aligned values in football philosophies and coaching.”

Weaver has helped develop six Pro Bowl players, serving as the position coach for Mario Williams (2013), Kyle Williams (2013), Marcell Dareus (2013), Jadeveon Clowney (2016-18), J.J. Watt (2018) and most recently, Justin Madubuike (2023). A third-round pick in 2020, Madubuike set career highs in tackles, sacks and tackles for loss in all three seasons he played under Weaver. In 2023, Madubuike totaled 13.0 sacks, leading all NFL defensive tackles. It was tied for the fifth-most sacks by an NFL defensive tackle in a season since 2001. All three of Clowney’s career Pro Bowl selections came with Weaver as his position coach.

Weaver spent the past three seasons (2021-23) with the Baltimore Ravens, where he served one season (2021) as run game coordinator/defensive line and two (2022-23) as assistant head coach/defensive line. In 2023, the Ravens led the NFL in scoring defense (16.5 points allowed per game) and went 13-4, earning the top seed in the AFC playoffs. In Weaver’s three seasons in Baltimore, the team allowed 95.3 rushing yards per game, ranking third in the NFL in that span. Baltimore’s 4.06 yards per carry allowed was fourth.

Prior to his time in Baltimore, Weaver served as defensive coordinator for the Houston Texans in 2020 after spending four seasons (2016-19) as the team’s defensive line coach. During Weaver’s five seasons in Houston, the team won three AFC South titles and his defensive line produced four Pro Bowls – three from Clowney (2016-18) and one from Watt (2018). The 2016 Texans produced the NFL’s top-ranked defense (301.3 yards allowed per game) for the first time in franchise history.

Weaver also spent time as the defensive line coach for Cleveland (2014-15) and Buffalo (2013), and was the assistant defensive line coach for the N.Y. Jets (2012). In 2013, Weaver’s defensive line produced three Pro Bowl selections – Mario Williams, Kyle Williams and Marcell Dareus – and helped the defense break the franchise record for sacks with 57.0.

Weaver began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Florida in 2010 before coaching linebackers at North Texas in 2011.

As a player, Weaver appeared in 103 career games with 98 starts for Baltimore (2002-05) and Houston (2006-08). He totaled 260 tackles (203 solo) and 15.5 sacks in his seven-year career, adding three interceptions, five forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries. Weaver was a second-round pick (52nd overall) by Baltimore in the 2002 NFL Draft following an All-American career at Notre Dame.

Hill and Tagovailoa Named Finalists for AP Honors   Download PDF version

January 25, 2024

Hill and Tagovailoa Named Finalists for AP Honors

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The Associated Press announced that two Dolphins players have been selected as finalists for AP honors – wide receiver Tyreek Hill as a finalist for the AP Offensive Player of the Year presented by Microsoft Surface and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa as a finalist for the AP Comeback Player of the Year presented by P&G and the Official Locker Room Products of the NFL (Gillette, Head & Shoulders, Old Spice, Tide).

Hill became the first player in Dolphins history to lead the league in receiving yards, totaling 1,799 this season. The mark was seventh-most in NFL history and a Dolphins single-season record, breaking the record Hill set in 2022. His 13 touchdown receptions tied for the NFL lead, and his 119 receptions ranked second, which tied a team record that Hill set in 2022. Hill was a unanimous first-team AP All-Pro selection, earned his eighth consecutive Pro Bowl selection and was named Dan Marino Team MVP for the second straight year. He played a key role in helping Miami lead the NFL in total offense (401.3 ypg) for the first time since 1994. Hill is looking to become just the second player in Dolphins history to win AP Offensive Player of the Year. Quarterback Dan Marino won the award in 1984.

Tagovailoa started all 17 games and led the NFL with 4,624 passing yards just a year removed from missing five games in 2022 due to injury. The 4,624 passing yards were third-most in Dolphins history and marked the first time since 1992 (Marino) that a Dolphins quarterback led the league in passing yards. Tagovailoa set a single-season franchise record with a 69.3 completion percentage and his 101.1 passer rating ranked fifth in the league as he was selected to start in his first-ever Pro Bowl. Tagovailoa helped the Dolphins win 11 games for the first time in 15 years and lead the NFL in total offense (401.3 ypg) for the first time since 1994. Miami also led the league in passing offense (265.5 ypg) for the first time since 1993. Tagovailoa is looking to become just the second player in Dolphins history to win AP Comeback Player of the Year. Quarterback Chad Pennington won the award in 2008.

Winners will be announced at NFL Honors on Thursday, Feb. 8 at 9 p.m. ET at Resorts World Theatre in Las Vegas. The show will be broadcast on CBS and NFL Network and streamed on Paramount+ and NFL+. Fans may visit www.nfl.com/honors for more information.

Miami Dolphins and Fangio Part Ways   Download PDF version

January 24, 2024

Miami Dolphins and Fangio Part Ways

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio have mutually agreed to part ways following the 2023 season.

“I want to thank Vic for his contributions in 2023. When we assessed the season, it became apparent that this was the best path forward for all parties involved,” said Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel. “Now, we turn our focus to 2024 and beyond with urgency as we identify the best candidate to lead our defense moving forward. We remain steadfastly committed to the development of our players and to building a winning team with sustained success.”

Miami Dolphins sign Sexton to future contract   Download PDF version

January 17, 2024

Miami Dolphins sign Sexton to future contract

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins announced they have signed wide receiver Mathew Sexton to a reserve/future contract.

Sexton originally entered the NFL with Pittsburgh on March 31, 2021. In 2023, he had stints on New England and Atlanta’s practice squads. He also spent time with Kansas City in 2021 and 2022. Sexton played for the Vegas Vipers of the XFL in the spring of 2023, totaling 23 receptions for 364 yards (15.8 avg.). He played collegiately at Eastern Michigan, where he caught 100 passes for 1,335 yards (13.4 avg.) and nine touchdowns.

Name Pos. Hgt. Wgt. Birthdate Exp. College Hometown Acq.
Mathew Sexton WR 5-10 176 10/17/97 1 Eastern Michigan ’20 Clinton, Mich. FA, ‘24
Miami Dolphins sign 8 to future contracts   Download PDF version

January 15, 2024

Miami Dolphins sign 8 to future contracts

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins announced they have signed the following eight players to reserve/future contracts: linebacker Quinton Bell, cornerback Ethan Bonner, tight end Tanner Conner, tackle Ryan Hayes, offensive lineman Chasen Hines, defensive tackle Brandon Pili, wide receiver Braylon Sanders and wide receiver Anthony Schwartz.

Bell joined Miami’s practice squad on Oct. 17, 2023 and appeared in one game. He’s played in 10 career games with three tackles (two solo) over three seasons with Tampa Bay (2020), Atlanta (2022) and Miami (2023). He originally entered the NFL as a seventh-round pick (230th overall) by Oakland in the 2019 NFL Draft. Bell played collegiately at Prairie View A&M.

Bonner appeared in two games with the Dolphins this season, recording one tackle and one pass defensed. He also played in the AFC Wild Card game, where he recorded two solo stops and forced a fumble. Bonner signed with Miami as an undrafted college free agent on May 12, 2023 and spent the season on Miami’s practice squad. He was a four-year letterman at Stanford, where he played in 21 games with 15 starts. As a senior in 2022, Bonner started 10 games, recording 29 tackles (20 solo) and five passes defensed.

Conner spent the season on Miami’s practice squad and played in three games. He appeared in 13 contests as a rookie for Miami in 2022. Conner joined the team as an undrafted college free agent from Idaho State on May 13, 2022, where he was a first-team All-Big Sky selection at wide receiver in the spring of 2021. Conner also earned all-conference honors in track and field. He transitioned to tight end when he was signed by the Dolphins in 2022.

Hayes spent most of the season on Miami’s practice squad and was elevated once but did not appear in a game. He was Miami’s seventh-round pick (238th overall) in the 2023 NFL Draft. Hayes spent the offseason and training camp with the Dolphins before spending the first two weeks of the regular season on Indianapolis’ active roster. He played collegiately at Michigan, where he was a three-year starter and a second-team All-Big Ten selection in 2021 and 2022, helping the Wolverines reach the College Football Playoff both years.

Hines spent the season on Miami’s practice squad and was elevated once but did not appear in a game. He was a sixth-round pick (210th overall) by New England in the 2022 NFL Draft. Hines played collegiately at LSU, where he appeared in 35 games with 17 starts. He was a member of LSU’s 2019 national championship team.

Pili signed with Miami as an undrafted college free agent on May 12, 2023 and was waived on Nov. 4, 2023 before signing back to the practice squad. He played in four games for Miami this season, recording two tackles (one solo). Pili spent six seasons (2017-22) at USC, playing in 52 career games with 74 tackles (28 solo), 3.5 sacks, four passes defensed and one forced fumble. He earned honorable mention All-Pac 12 honors as a true freshman in 2017 when he totaled 14 tackles (three solo) and blocked a field goal.

Sanders first signed with the Dolphins as an undrafted college free agent on May 13, 2022 and spent each of the past two seasons on Miami’s practice squad. He was elevated three times in 2022, appearing in three games and catching two passes for 17 yards (8.5 avg.). Sanders was a five-year letterman (2017-21) for Mississippi, where he played in 46 games with 18 starts.

Schwartz joined Miami’s practice squad on Nov. 13, 2023 but did not appear in a game. He played in 25 games with three starts over two seasons (2021-22) with Cleveland, totaling 14 receptions for 186 yards (13.3 avg.) and one touchdown. He also had 10 carries for 96 yards (9.6 avg.) and one touchdown, and 15 kickoff returns for 322 yards (21.5 avg.). Schwartz originally entered the NFL as a third-round pick (91st overall) by Cleveland in the 2021 NFL Draft. He played collegiately at Auburn, where he finished 10th on the school’s all-time receptions (117) chart and also sprinted on the track and field team. Schwartz is a Pembroke Pines, Florida native and played at nearby American Heritage, where he helped the Patriots win back-to-back football state championships.

Name Pos. Hgt. Wgt. Birthdate Exp. College Hometown Acq.
Quinton Bell LB 6-4 251 5/9/96 3 Prairie View A&M ’19 Long Beach, Calif. FA, ‘23
Ethan Bonner CB 6-1 186 10/23/99 R Stanford ’23 The Woodlands, Texas FA, ‘23
Tanner Conner TE 6-3 232 3/20/98 2 Idaho State ’22 Kent, Wash. FA, ‘22
Ryan Hayes T 6-7 305 2/28/00 R Michigan ‘23 Traverse City, Mich. D7, ‘23
Chasen Hines OL 6-3 320 4/3/00 2 LSU ’22 Marshall, Texas FA, ‘23
Brandon Pili DT 6-3 319 4/2/99 R USC ’23 Anchorage, Alaska FA, ‘23
Braylon Sanders WR 6-1 190 1/21/99 1 Mississippi ’22 Hogansville, Ga. FA, ‘22
Anthony Schwartz WR 6-0 186 9/5/00 3 Auburn ’21 Pembroke Pines, Fla. FA, ‘23