MIAMI GARDENS — The Miami Dolphins made a series of roster moves involving linebackers and tight ends on Monday (Aug. 24), although it’s the move they didn’t make that is especially intriguing.
First, the moves that were made: The Dolphins signed tight end Ethan Conner and inside linebacker Jaheim Thomas. They waived center Jim Bonifas and cornerback Ahmari Harvey.
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But in choosing Thomas, the Dolphins reportedly tried out Kenneth Murray, a first-round pick of the Los Angeles Chargers in 2020 out of Oklahoma. Murray, 27, made the All-Rookie Team in 2020 and has started 83 of the 90 games in which he has appeared in his NFL career, which includes stops with Tennessee and Dallas. Murray was a starter for the Cowboys
last season, when he made 81 tackles but was rated 86th of 88 linebackers by Pro Football Focus.
The additions of Conner and Thomas come amid injuries to Miami’s other tight ends (Will Kacmarek, Seydou Traore and Ben Sims) and linebackers (Jordyn Brooks, Tyrel Dodson, Trey Moore and Ronnie Harrison Jr.).
Conner was undrafted but spent time in Jacksonville’s training camp. Conner, who is 6-feet-4 and 245 pounds, played at Troy, where he appeared in 28 games and had 59 receptions for 680 yards and seven touchdowns.
Thomas made 64 tackles as a member of the Louisville Kings of the United Football League earlier this year. Thomas (6-2, 223) played college ball at Wisconsin. He’s the second ex-Arkansas linebacker added in the past few days, joining Stephen Dix Jr.
Hal Habib covers the Miami Dolphins for The Palm Beach Post. He can be reached at HHabib@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins sign two, pass on former first-round pick of Chargers
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