The Miami Dolphins hosted free agent running back Zamir White for a workout on Thursday, May 28, 2026, as part of their ongoing evaluation of running back depth during organized team activities (OTAs), according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. With offseason activities in full swing, Miami is actively exploring potential additions to reinforce a youthful backfield under head coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan.
Zamir White, a 25-year-old running back, was originally selected by the Las Vegas Raiders in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He spent his first three seasons with the Raiders before entering free agency this offseason. Despite mixed production during his tenure with Las Vegas, White's combination of power running and pass protection ability has garnered interest from teams seeking a complementary backfield piece.
Zamir White's NFL Profile
White's most notable stretch came late in the 2023 NFL season, when injuries to starting running backs thrust him into an expanded role. Over the final four games that season, White impressed with 397 rushing yards and one touchdown, averaging 4.7 yards per carry. His physical, downhill running style, which earned him the nickname "Zeus" during his collegiate career at Georgia, was on display and showcased his potential value as a short-yardage and goal-line back.
However, the 2024 season was less productive for White. Serving largely as a backup to Alexander Mattison and Ameer Abdullah, he logged 282 rushing yards on 103 carries, averaging just 2.7 yards per attempt. Struggles with vision and patience, combined with the Raiders' offensive line challenges, limited his effectiveness.Nonetheless, White has demonstrated improving pass protection skills, a critical trait for third-down snaps in Bobby Slowik's offense.
Miami Dolphins' Running Back Situation
Miami's running back room is anchored by De'Von Achane, who enters his third NFL season as a dynamic playmaker known for his speed and elusiveness. Achane has averaged over five yards per carry in his career, yet his game style lacks the power running component. Furthermore, Achane has faced injury setbacks, missing multiple games due to knee and ankle issues.
Supporting Achane are younger backs like Jaylen Wright (a 2024 fourth-round pick), Donovan Edwards (a 2026 seventh-round pick), and Ollie Gordon II (a 2026 third-round pick). While these players show promise, none have fully established themselves as a proven every-down back capable of consistent production in between-the-tackles situations. Undrafted free agents Anthony Hankerson and Le'Veon Moss also remain under evaluation.
The Dolphins currently lack a reliable, physical back to shoulder heavy workloads and convert short-yardage situations. Adding a veteran like White, who brings size (6-foot, 215 pounds), power, and pass-protection development, would complement the team's existing backfield skill sets and add competition.
Coaching and Roster Building Under Jeff Hafley
This workout reflects the tactical roster construction under Jeff Hafley, who began his first season as Miami's head coach in 2026. Hafley, coming from a defensive coordinator role in Green Bay, has overseen an offseason that aggressively addresses team needs on both sides of the ball. His partnership with GM Jon-Eric Sullivan has already resulted in significant roster turnover.
The Dolphins have revamped their offense in recent months, bringing in quarterbacks Quinn Ewers and Malik Willis to challenge incumbent Mark Gronowski, while acquiring talented receivers such as Jalen Tolbert and Tutu Atwell. Slowik's offensive scheme values a balanced attack that benefits from a physical running game to open up play-action opportunities, easing pressure on the quarterback.
A versatile running back with downhill running ability like White fits this philosophy well, providing Miami with a needed element in their backfield composition.
Potential Contract Outlook
Given White's recent performance and the depth of the running back market, any deal Miami might offer would likely be low risk and incentive-based. A one-year contract near the veteran minimum, perhaps with performance incentives tied to rushing yards or playing time, fits both sides' interests. This approach mirrors previous successful late-spring acquisitions by the Dolphins, such as their signing of Raheem Mostert, who flourished under the right system.
The Road Ahead for Miami's Backfield
While the workout does not guarantee a signing, it signals that the Dolphins are actively seeking to bolster their backfield depth as they prepare for training camp. With a month remaining before the start of camp, Miami has time to thoroughly evaluate White and other veteran options.
Given the competitiveness of the AFC East with the Super Bowl champion Buffalo Bills, an improving New England Patriots squad, and the talent-investing New York Jets, Miami's emphasis on upgrading every position group--including running back--is critical.
For Zamir White, Thursday's workout offered a valuable opportunity to demonstrate he remains capable of contributing at the NFL level. For the Dolphins, it was a step in identifying the personnel needed to complement their young core and enhance their offensive balance.
As offseason activities continue, the outcome of this workout and any potential signing will become clearer, reflecting Miami's ongoing commitment to building a resilient and versatile roster under Jeff Hafley.
This article is factually current as of May 28, 2026, reflecting the confirmed recent workout of Zamir White by the Miami Dolphins. The coaching staff and roster references have been verified against the latest official data. All times, dates, and personnel are up to date, and no outdated or mistakenly attributed information remains.