Lonnie Johnson Jr. Is Fighting For His Career and the Dolphins Aren't Guaranteeing Him Anything

Alright, listen up. The Miami Dolphins are making moves, and not just little tweaks. They're heading into training camp at the end of July with a *completely* different squad than the one that finished the 2025 season. We're talking a full-blown offseason overhaul, veterans out, newcomers in, and a whopping 91 players currently on the roster, not even counting England-born rookie tight end Seydou Traore from the International Player Pathway Program. After signing former UFL tackle Gottlieb Ayedze recently, this roster is just packed. This isn't just a refresh, folks, it's a total rebuild under GM Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley, and every player's role is on the line.

The Rebuild Is Real, And It's Deep

When a team brings in this many new faces and says goodbye to "several significant veterans," you know they're not messing around. The Dolphins are trying to completely reshape their identity, and that means nobody's spot is safe, especially deeper on the roster. They're ranking guys not just by pure ability, but by their *expected role* and how much they actually contribute to the organization's progress. It’s a ruthless business, and for players ranked 36-40, the margin for error is razor-thin. They’re all fighting for their careers, trying to prove they belong when training camp kicks off.

Who's On The Bubble As Camp Looms?

So, let's break down some of the guys on the e

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dge. Rookie fifth-round pick safety Michael Taaffe from Texas, for example, is probably a lock for the 53-man roster, which is solid for a rookie. But don't expect him to be a major defensive force right away, the article says it's hard to see that happening. Then there's cornerback Ethan Bonner. Man, this guy is intriguing! His teammates are always praising his speed, which is awesome, but he still hasn't busted through for a big defensive role. There's nothing stopping him from making that jump this summer, but he absolutely has to get it done. Tight end Ben Sims, who they signed before drafting Will Kacmarek and Seydou Traore, looked really viable in spring activities. He’s definitely not out of the picture. Edge rusher David Ojabo, a former second-round pick, also "looked the part" in spring, and there's definitely opportunity for edge defenders to earn playing time on this roster. But the biggest question mark might be safety Lonnie Johnson Jr. He's a former second-round pick from the Houston Texans who's trying to get his career back on track and return to being a starter. There's a clear opportunity there for him *if* he can crush it in training camp. But honestly, with all these newcomers, a roster spot isn't even guaranteed for him. That's a brutal reality check, right? The clock is ticking, and for these guys, the next few weeks before camp are everything. You know they'll be putting in the work. Every snap, every rep will matter, because for some, it’s literally make or break for their NFL dreams.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.