Miami Dolphins Cut Ties with Kendall Fuller After One Season

The Miami Dolphins’ Valentine’s Day Moves Sent Ripples Through the Team’s Roster

The Miami Dolphins’ Valentine’s Day moves sent ripples through the team’s roster, especially with the release of Kendall Fuller, a move that caught many by surprise. While the cuts of Raheem Mostert and Durham Smythe were more expected—Mostert had been a reliable but aging back and Smythe’s departure was likely seen as necessary for cap space—Fuller’s release raised questions, particularly in the context of the Dolphins’ overall depth and cap management.

Fuller’s Impact in 2023: A Solid but Injury-Riddled Campaign

Let’s break this down: Fuller, signed to a two-year, $15 million deal last offseason, was a key acquisition for the Dolphins, especially with the goal of bolstering their secondary. In 2023, he was one of the most reliable cornerbacks in the league, ranking as PFF’s 7th highest-rated CB. Despite dealing with injuries throughout this past season, including two concussions and a knee issue that sidelined him for several games, Fuller managed to provide solid play when on the field. He played in only 11 games, but he was still a presence in the defensive backfield, offering the veteran leadership that the Dolphins sought when signing him.

The Financial Decision: What the Dolphins Gain from Fuller’s Release

However, as is often the case in the NFL, injuries can derail even the most promising careers, and Fuller’s injury-riddled season may have led the Dolphins to make a difficult but necessary decision. Releasing him saves just $2.76 million in cap space, which is minimal in the grand scheme of things. The financial benefit is clear, but the broader picture becomes a bit murkier when considering the Dolphins’ roster heading into the offseason.

What’s Left in the Dolphins’ Cornerback Room After Fuller’s Exit?

The decision to release Fuller also opens up a larger question: What does this mean for the Dolphins’ cornerback group going forward? With Fuller gone, the Dolphins are left with a mix of veteran presence and young potential. Jalen Ramsey is the cornerstone of the secondary, but beyond him, the depth and talent is a bit more uncertain. Cam Smith, the promising young cornerback, has yet to establish himself, while Kader Kohou, a restricted free agent, is still looking to solidify his role. Storm Duck and Ethan Bonner are also young players with potential, but neither has a proven track record in the NFL.

Filling the Gap: The Need for Depth in Miami’s Secondary

This situation presents the Dolphins with a roster hole that will need to be filled, whether through free agency or the draft. While the team has invested heavily in high-level talent like Ramsey, the cornerback room now lacks the depth and talent it once had with Fuller’s presence. This is also because Fuller was signed to replace Xavien Howard. Depth is critical in a league where injuries are almost inevitable, and the Dolphins’ struggles with injuries in the past are a testament to the importance of having a strong backup plan.

Reducing Risk: The Dolphins’ Long-Term Strategy with Fuller’s Release

There’s also a philosophical side to this move that’s worth exploring. The Dolphins are clearly shifting their focus toward reducing risk. Fuller was a solid player when healthy, but with both him and 31-year-old Ramsey entering their 10th NFL seasons, the team seems to be acknowledging that relying on two aging cornerbacks could be a risky decision. It’s possible the Dolphins felt it was better to move on from Fuller now, while the cap hit isn’t as severe, and focus on building a younger, more durable secondary in the long term. While this decision may seem like a gamble now, it could pay off if the Dolphins can strengthen the position through other means.

Looking Ahead: Free Agency and the Draft’s Role in Strengthening the Secondary

Ultimately, Kendall Fuller’s release is a surprising move, but not an unreasonable one. The Dolphins are playing a long game, one where they are trying to mitigate risk and build depth in critical positions. It leaves them with a need to add another cornerback, but with the right moves, this could pay dividends in the future. It will be interesting to see how the Dolphins approach free agency and the draft to fill that gap in the secondary and whether they look to invest in more reliable youth to balance out the veterans on their roster.