One of the extra perks of a Miami Dolphins 2026 NFL Draft choice just kicked in

This draft choice is going to be a gift that keeps on giving this summer for the Miami Dolphins.

Kyle Crabbs — NFL National Writer
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Oct 25, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs tight end Seydou Traore (8) runs after a catch against Texas Longhorns defensive back Jaylon Guilbeau (3) during the first quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

The Miami Dolphins‘ 2026 NFL Draft class boasts plenty of upside and opportunity for playing time. Miami is sure to see these rookie standouts take the field in bunches in 2026. The ultimate success of the 2026 group? We’ll just have to wait and see.

But one member of the 2026 NFL Draft class in Miami is going to be a gift that keeps on giving for the Dolphins — at least until the regular season starts. Late round draft choice Seydou Traore, a tight end from Mississippi State, is officially not counting against the offseason roster. Miami has been granted a roster exemption for the youngster as an international player.

The Miami Dolphins are officially receiving an offseason roster exemption for rookie tight end Seydou Traore

Oct 25, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs tight end Seydou Traore (8).Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Per NFL insider Aaron Wilson, the roster exemption for Traore, a product of London by way of France, is now official. International players are granted practice squad/offseason roster exemptions as the league tries to continue to put roots for the game down overseas. By connecting more players to the highest level of the sport, in theory you will generate more interest.

Whether or not Traore ends up making the 53-man roster this season or not is to be determined. The competition should be tight — as the Miami Dolphins brought back Greg Dulcich, added Ben Sims in free agency, and drafted Will Kacmarek in the 3rd round of the 2026 NFL Draft to go along with the Mississippi State tight end.

But until we find out, he’s a “free” roster spot for Miami. And that is, in and of itself, a major win. Miami needs as many competitive players for roster spots as possible right now. So getting an additional name onto the roster thanks to Traore’s background could open the door for someone else to win a competition, too. Consider it “game on” across the 2026 roster. If you want to play, take a spot! But the physical upside of Traore is only part of his conversation as an upside pick. The Miami Dolphins will reap the other reward this summer.

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