The Miami Dolphins continued their late-spring roster churn on Thursday, announcing the waiver of tight end Jalin Conyers and offensive tackle Braeden Daniels while signing offensive lineman Marques Cox and running back Carlos Washington Jr. in corresponding moves. The transaction, which pushes the roster back to the 90-man offseason limit, demonstrates general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley's continued effort to shape the team with competitive evaluation at every roster spot.
Though these moves may not grab headlines in the quiet May period, for a team still sculpting its roster under new leadership, every roster decision matters. Here is an in-depth look at Thursday's transactions and their implications for the Dolphins' depth chart.
The Departures
Jalin Conyers was viewed as a developmental tight end prospect when added earlier this offseason. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 260 pounds, the Arizona State product offered a hybrid tight end/fullback skill set that offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik could have potentially leveraged in creative ways. However, with a crowded tight end room featuring Greg Dulcich, Ben Sims, Cole Turner, Will Kacmarek, and Seydou Traore, Conyers was the odd man out. After spring workouts concluded without him making a significant impact on special teams or demonstrating consistent blocking ability, the Dolphins opted to waive him.
Braeden Daniels, a fourth-round pick by the Washington Commanders in 2023 before joining Miami, entered with more pedigree but never secured a role. The Utah product was initially considered a possible swing tackle option, but the rise of Kadyn Proctor as a developmental tackle and steady veterans like Charlie Heck and Patrick Paul reduced the need for Daniels. With the Dolphins carrying eight offensive tackles and three centers, trimming one tackle was a straightforward decision.
The Additions: Marques Cox
The most noteworthy addition is Marques Cox, a 6-foot-5, 315-pound offensive lineman from Kentucky. Cox was a three-year starter for the Wildcats, playing mainly left tackle but showing versatility to move inside to guard--an attribute highly prized by Miami's offensive line coaching staff.
Undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft despite solid collegiate production and an SEC pedigree, Cox started 35 collegiate games and earned All-SEC honorable mention honors as a senior. While questions linger about his foot quickness and ability to anchor against elite pass rushers, tape shows a technically sound blocker with aggressive run-blocking prowess.
Miami invested heavily in its offensive interior last offseason--drafting Jonah Savaiinaea in the second round and adding Josh Priebe and Jamaree Salyer--meaning Cox is currently viewed as a camp body with genuine practice squad potential. His ability to provide depth at both tackle and guard will be tested in a competitive environment.
Miami's starting offensive line looks set with Austin Jackson and Patrick Paul at tackle and Aaron Brewer at center, while Savaiinaea and Salyer compete for the guard spots. Behind them, Carter Warren, Kion Smith, and DJ Campbell offer experienced depth, so Cox faces an uphill challenge to claim a roster spot, likely needing to outperform younger players or those with less experience.
The Additions: Carlos Washington Jr.
The second new signing, Carlos Washington Jr., is a running back who initially joined the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Atlanta Falcons in 2023. At 5-foot-11 and 220 pounds, Washington is a downhill, between-the-tackles runner who excels in power situations but offers limited versatility as a receiver or blocker in passing situations.
Washington's chances of making the Dolphins' 53-man roster are slim given the depth at running back. The position group is led by De'Von Achane, who recently signed a lucrative extension, and supported by Jaylen Wright, Donovan Edwards, Ollie Gordon II, Anthony Hankerson, and Le'Veon Moss. With generally only three or four backs carried, Washington's best opportunity is likely a practice squad role with a special teams contribution.
He profiles as a short-yardage and goal-line back, a niche the Dolphins have yet to definitively fill since Raheem Mostert's departure. If Washington can carve out a role on kick and punt coverage teams during preseason, he may prove valuable. However, breaking into a running back room with established players remains a tough task.
The Bigger Picture
Thursday's roster moves are a hallmark of May transactions--low-risk, low-profile efforts aimed at churning the roster bottom in hopes of uncovering overlooked talent. They also reflect the front office philosophy under Sullivan and Hafley: no one's job is guaranteed, and all roster spots are competitive.
The Dolphins head into the 2026 season with a fairly stable core. Quinn Ewers is expected to start at quarterback after the team moved on from previous veterans. Defensively, led by coordinator Sean Duggan, the team features disruptive pass rushers like Chop Robinson and Joshua Uche, alongside a revamped secondary. The offensive line rebuild emphasizes power and versatility.
These moves illustrate that while the core is set, the depth chart remains fluid. Jalin Conyers and Braeden Daniels had chances to stick during spring workouts but came up short. Marques Cox and Carlos Washington Jr. now have their opportunity to impress coaches and stake a claim.
For fans, these transactions may seem routine, but it's common for late-May signees to earn meaningful roles come September. Cox's SEC background and positional flexibility give him a reasonable shot, while Washington must make a strong case through special teams to gain traction.
The overarching message: The Dolphins are still actively shaping their roster. With training camp weeks away and the final 53-man roster far from locked, further moves are inevitable. The front office remains proactive, and the back end of the roster remains open for competition.
What's Next
The Dolphins will now focus on mandatory minicamp and the gradual ramp-up to training camp in late July. Expect continued roster adjustments as veterans are added or released post-draft and younger players compete vigorously.
The team is also likely to monitor the waiver wire for possible upgrades, especially at linebacker and defensive back, where depth remains a question.
Meanwhile, Cox and Washington will report to the Dolphins' facility, get their playbooks, and begin the challenging process of proving their worth. This story unfolds across all 32 NFL teams each late spring--but for these players, it represents the most critical opportunity of their professional lives.
Word Count: Approximately 1340 words
Ranking: 73 (Notable roster moves with potential for impact)