Miami Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan said the team improved its roster through an honest evaluation process while discussing the 53-man roster, quarterback additions and player development during an Aug. 31, 2026, media availability.
The Miami Dolphins acquired quarterbacks McCord and Brady Cook. Sullivan said McCord processes the game quickly, throws an accurate and catchable football, can run an offense and is competitive and intelligent. He described Cook as an ultimate competitor and said Cook elevated Missouri during his time there.
Sullivan said Bobby Slowik and Bush Hamdan will prepare the quarterbacks for the season. He acknowledged that the situation is not ideal but said the coaches would get the quarterbacks ready.
“I think we got incrementally better, which is always the goal,” Sullivan said. He also said the team will continue developing its roster and competing for improvement.
Sullivan explains key Miami Dolphins roster decisions
Sullivan said the 2026 Miami Dolphins roster reflects an honest evaluation process and a commitment to improving whenever possible. “We’re not going to tell ourselves lies when things aren’t getting done at the level that they need to get done,” Sullivan said.
Jacob Rodriguez won a fair competition involving Tyrel Dodson, according to Sullivan, who praised Dodson’s professionalism. Sullivan also said Trey Moore will return after an injury.
Sullivan said the Miami Dolphins moved on from Quinn Ewers because his performance was not at the required level and because Ewers needed a fresh start. He said roster decisions require the team to balance immediate needs with long-term player development.
The Miami Dolphins intend to be a draft-and-develop team and remain selective in free agency, Sullivan said. He also said the team plans to pay its core players while maintaining a young roster.
Special teams remain part of Miami Dolphins roster evaluation
Sullivan said Bradley Pinion had an inconsistent preseason but expressed confidence in him. “I have confidence and faith in Bradley,” Sullivan said.
Ryan Miller earned a spot on the 53-man roster in part because of his work as a coverage player on special teams. Sullivan said Justin Joly was added largely because of the team’s college evaluation of him and because the Miami Dolphins were dealing with injuries in that position group.
Jarquez Hunter, acquired in the trade involving Tutu Atwell, is on the practice squad. Sullivan described Hunter as a physical, downhill runner who gets tough yards.
Sullivan expects Kyle Louis to contribute significantly on special teams while developing as a positional player. “Kyle Louis is a Swiss Army knife,” Sullivan said, describing his potential work as a joker, big nickel and safety.
Willie Gay is also expected to contribute on special teams, although his linebacker role remains unsettled. Sullivan described Gay as physical and able to run, while Kadyn Proctor continues adjusting to guard and improving.
Overall, Sullivan said the Miami Dolphins compete hard and have shown effort, resilience and physicality. He also acknowledged that consistency and depth need to improve as the team continues evaluating its roster.
Source: Original report