The Miami Dolphins have wrapped up their preseason slate, going 0-3 against the Washington Commanders, New York Giants and Atlanta Falcons over the last three weeks.
Now, the Dolphins, and specifically head coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, have to turn their attention to the roster, as they must cut 38 players over the next two days to get from 91 to 53 by the NFL's deadline Sunday night.
Before cuts began, Dolphins Wire released our final 53-man roster projection, which included some difficult decisions. These were the four toughest cuts we had to make.
RB Carlos Washington Jr.
The Dolphins hoped that either Ollie Gordon II or Jaylen Wright would separate themselves in the battle to back up De'Von Achane over the last month. However, Washington
has probably been their most consistent running back throughout the preseason and training camp. The only reason he doesn't make it is because of Miami's recent trade for Jarquez Hunter.
DE Robert Beal Jr.
Miami signed Beal to a one-year contract this offseason after he spent the last three years with the San Francisco 49ers. While the Dolphins need pass rush help, Beal didn't do much in the preseason, finishing with just four tackles and a pass defensed. He could still make the roster because none of the other edge rushers really stood out either.
LB Ronnie Harrison Jr.
The Dolphins added Harrison this offseason, and he was expected to help out in a deep linebacker room and compete for a spot with Willie Gay Jr. Unfortunately, he's dealt with an injury that kept him out of the finale, while Gay has been solid throughout the last month.
CB Alex Austin
Austin joined the Dolphins this offseason after stints with the Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots and Houston Texans. The former seventh-round pick has competed for a spot in the secondary, but guys like Marco Wilson, Jason Marshall Jr., Ethan Bonner and A.J. Green III have just done more. However, with cornerback being a very thin position, it wouldn't be surprising to see Miami keep an extra one, and Austin could benefit from that.
This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: 4 toughest cuts from final 2026 Dolphins 53-man roster projection
