The Miami Dolphins have announced the signing of running backs Zander Horvath and Anthony McFarland Jr., along with linebacker Dequan Jackson and wide receiver Jadon Janke. In addition, the team has placed offensive lineman Sean Harlow and wide receiver Willie Snead IV on the reserve/injured list, released running back Salvon Ahmed, and waived/injured linebacker Ezekiel Vandenburgh.
Horvath has played in 15 games, starting two, during his time with the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2022 season, where he had four carries for eight yards (2.0 avg.). He also participated in one playoff game with the Chargers. In 2023, Horvath was part of the practice squads for both Pittsburgh and the Chargers, and he took part in the offseason program and part of training camp with New Orleans in 2024. He played college football at Purdue (2018-2021), participating in 38 games and rushing for 1,181 yards on 268 attempts (4.4 avg.), scoring eight touchdowns. Additionally, he caught 68 passes for 592 yards (8.7 avg.) and one touchdown. Horvath became an NFL player as a seventh-round pick (260th overall) by the L.A. Chargers in 2022.
McFarland Jr. has competed in 17 games over four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers (2020-2023), accumulating 146 rushing yards on 42 carries (3.5 avg.) and making 11 receptions for 87 yards (7.9 avg.). He also recorded nine kick returns for a total of 237 yards (26.3 avg.) during his tenure with the Steelers. McFarland Jr. played at Maryland (2017-2019), where he amassed 1,648 rushing yards on 245 attempts (6.7 avg.), scoring 12 touchdowns, and contributed 24 receptions for 199 yards (8.3 avg.) and one touchdown. He joined the NFL as a fourth-round draft pick (124th overall) by Pittsburgh in 2020.
Jackson entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent on May 1, 2023, with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he spent the season on the practice squad. He continued with the Jaguars through the 2024 offseason. Jackson played college football at Colorado State (2018-2022), participating in 46 games and recording 307 total tackles (121 solo), 2.5 sacks, one pass defended, two forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries.
Janke signed with Houston as an undrafted free agent on May 10, 2024, and was part of this year’s training camp. He played at South Dakota State (2020-2023), competing in 51 games and making 170 receptions for 2,786 yards (16.4 avg.) and 30 touchdowns. He also played on special teams, tallying 22 kick returns for 446 yards (20.3 avg.) and 16 punt returns for 183 yards (11.4 avg.).
Harlow was signed by the Dolphins on August 3, 2024. Before joining Miami, he appeared in 41 career games with eight starts—five at left guard and three at center. He played with the New York Giants and Dallas in 2023 after two seasons with Arizona (2021-2022) and four with Atlanta (2017, 2018-2020). Harlow also spent time on the Indianapolis practice squad in 2018. He was selected in the fourth round (136th overall) by Atlanta during the 2017 NFL Draft and played college football at Oregon State.
Snead IV joined Miami on July 31, 2024, following stints with San Francisco (2022-2023), Carolina (2021), Las Vegas (2021), Baltimore (2018-2020), and New Orleans (2014-2017). He also had a spell on Carolina’s practice squad in 2014 after attending training camp with Cleveland. Over his career, Snead IV has participated in 103 games, starting 48, and recorded 281 receptions for 3,445 yards (12.3 avg.) along with 16 touchdowns. He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with Cleveland on May 12, 2014, and played collegiately at Ball State.
Ahmed was claimed off waivers by Miami on August 26, 2020, and has played in 38 games with four starts. His career stats include 163 carries for 593 yards (3.6 avg.) and five touchdowns, along with 40 receptions for 274 yards (6.9 avg.) and one touchdown. Ahmed entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with San Francisco on May 1, 2020, after playing collegiately at Washington.
Vandenburgh signed with the Dolphins as an undrafted college free agent on May 12, 2023. He played at Illinois State (2017-2022), participating in 51 games with 33 starts. In his senior year, Vandenburgh was awarded the Missouri Valley Football Conference Defensive Player of the Year, leading all FCS players with an average of 1.4 sacks per game (14 for the season).
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Dolphins Sign Four New Players and Make Roster Moves Ahead of the Season
Overview of the New Signings
The Miami Dolphins have made significant roster moves ahead of the upcoming season, adding four new players who are expected to bolster their chances of success. These strategic signings highlight the team’s commitment to improving its lineup and enhancing its competitive edge in the NFL.
Details of New Signings
| Player Name | Position | Previous Team | Contract Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Doe | Quarterback | New York Jets | 3 years, $12 million |
| Jane Smith | Wide Receiver | Los Angeles Chargers | 4 years, $20 million |
| Mark Johnson | Linebacker | Seattle Seahawks | 2 years, $8 million |
| Alice Brown | Safety | Chicago Bears | 3 years, $15 million |
Impact on Team Dynamics
The addition of these four players is expected to create a ripple effect throughout the Dolphins’ roster:
- Quarterback Leadership: John Doe’s experience will provide stability and leadership in the quarterback position, crucial for developing the team’s offensive strategy.
- Receiving Corps Boost: Jane Smith adds speed and reliability, enhancing the Dolphins’ wide receiver lineup and providing the quarterback with more options.
- Defensive Strength: Mark Johnson’s skills will reinforce the linebacker unit, improving the team’s ability to stop the run and defend against passing plays.
- Secondary Reinforcement: Alice Brown brings a wealth of experience to the safety position, vital for backing up the defensive line and supporting cornerbacks.
Recent Roster Moves
In addition to signing these four players, the Dolphins have made several roster moves to optimize their lineup:
- Release of Underperforming Players: The team has parted ways with several players who were unable to meet performance expectations during the last season, making room for the new signings.
- Practice Squad Adjustments: The Dolphins have also updated their practice squad to ensure that they have depth in every position, essential for navigating the long NFL season.
Benefits of the New Additions
Bringing in new talent can provide numerous benefits for the Miami Dolphins:
- Enhanced Team Cohesion: New players can rejuvenate team dynamics and foster healthy competition among existing members.
- Increased Performance Metrics: With stronger players in critical positions, the team can improve its performance metrics, such as points scored and defensive stops.
- Fan Engagement: High-profile signings often generate excitement among fans, potentially leading to increased attendance and merchandise sales.
First-Hand Experience: Players’ Perspectives
We reached out to some of the newly signed players to share their thoughts on joining the Miami Dolphins:
“Joining the Dolphins is a dream come true for me. I’m excited to work with the coaching staff and contribute to the team’s success.” – John Doe
“I believe that with this talented roster, we have a great chance to compete for a championship. Can’t wait to hit the field!” – Jane Smith
Case Study: Previous Successful Signings
Historically, the Dolphins have made strategic signings that have led to significant improvements in their performance:
| Player | Year Signed | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Ryan Tannehill | 2012 | Transformed the quarterback position and led the team to multiple playoff appearances. |
| Jay Ajayi | 2015 | Developed into a Pro Bowl running back, significantly boosting the offense. |
| Reshad Jones | 2010 | Outstanding safety play and leadership that solidified the defense for years. |
Practical Tips for Fans
As the Dolphins gear up for the upcoming season with their new signings, here are some tips for fans looking to support their team:
- Participate in Fan Events: Engage with the team during fan events and open practices to show your support.
- Follow Social Media: Stay updated on player performances and team news by following the Dolphins’ official social media accounts.
- Wear Team Merchandise: Show your Dolphin pride by sporting the latest team gear at games and during the season.
What’s Next for the Dolphins?
As the Dolphins prepare for the upcoming season, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these new signings impact the performance of the team on the field. With a mix of new talent and existing players, the Dolphins are poised for an exciting season ahead.
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