The Miami Dolphins are doing their part to change the game with a new, rapidly expanding trend
The Miami Dolphins are doing their part to help create a brand new trend that could change things for player development in the NFL forever.
The Miami Dolphins may well end up being the team with the most need for roster retooling in the NFL this season. There are some other legitimate contenders, such as the Arizona Cardinals, Las Vegas Raiders, and others. But Miami? Sure, they’re on the short list.
Yes, the Miami Dolphins are among the teams to help kickstart a new trend. But they’re far from the only ones. And if this trend ends up sticking, it could change things forever for many players in the NFL. Or, more specifically, those trying to make it to the NFL.
The NFL’s growing interest in a UFL pipeline could change the game and the Miami Dolphins are doing their part
Per a press release by the United Football League (UFL), more than a dozen players from the spring league have signed NFL contracts already. A total of 58 workouts have been requested by NFL teams as of July 17th, as well. Miami, of course, has signed two UFL talents. Both players, safety Major Burns and tackle Gottlieb Ayedze, played for the Houston Gamblers franchise this spring.
Why would a growing pipeline of talent from the UFL to the NFL matter? Having a legitimate pipeline of developmental talent gives a whole bunch of players something they sorely need. Reps. Think about it. As NIL coaxes more underclassmen talent back to college for more years of eligibility, the pipeline of rookie talent each year becomes compromised. And that makes the young players who are fringe 53-man roster players that much more important to help grow and build competition on the roster.
But players often only get better with reps. Practice squad players face sparing opportunities to dress and play on game days in the NFL. Backup 53-man players don’t get a ton of weeks in practice and, of course, don’t start.
So the UFL pipeline could create more playing opportunities and more growth for players who have talent, but need time. Miami has already gotten two bites of the apple with these talents in 2026. And if either one of them becomes a legitimate NFL player, they’ll have helped to fuel the fire even more.
The Miami Dolphins will have as good a chance as anyone of providing an opportunity for playing time.
There are already some good success stories. Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Jalen Redmond, Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates, and Los Angeles Rams kicker Harrison Mevis have all been impact players. We’ve seen the XFL and USFL add talent too — such as Dallas Cowboys wide receiver/return specialist Kavonte Turpin and kicker Brandon Aubrey. Here’s to Miami having found one of the next. But the league is searching more now than ever before. The Miami Dolphins included.
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