The Miami Dolphins' roster overhaul has officially shifted into overdrive. While the team's early offseason moves focused on cutting high-priced veterans like Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb to save cap space, the latest wave of departures signals a deeper reset—one that's now reaching the bottom of the depth chart.

With the 2026 NFL Draft wrapped up and a fresh batch of undrafted rookies joining the mix, Miami has parted ways with more than half a dozen fringe players who were battling for roster spots. The moves, announced via the team's official channels, include releasing long snapper Taybor Pepper and waiving cornerbacks Isaiah Johnson and Jason Maitre, tight end Zack Kuntz, edge rusher Derrick McLendon, inside linebacker K.C. Ossai, and punter Seth Vernon.

Some of these cuts were expected. The Dolphins entered the draft carrying two specialists at each position—a luxury they simply couldn't afford as they look to develop younger talent across the board. So the departures of Vernon and Pepper come as no surprise. For the others, injuries likely sealed their fate. Johnson tore his ACL during practice in 2025, while Maitre spent the entire season on injured reserve.

The toughest goodbye, however, might be McLendon. The young pass rusher flashed real potential but didn't see meaningful snaps until late in the season. In a regime change, that lack of opportunity often spells the end. With Miami bringing in several new edge rushers via free agency and the draft, a former undrafted rookie from a previous front office simply ran out of time. He'll now look to restart his career elsewhere.

As the Dolphins continue to reshape their roster, these moves are a reminder that in the NFL, change isn't just about the stars—it's about the grinders fighting for every snap. For fans keeping score, this is a team that's not just reloading, but retooling from the ground up.