The Miami Dolphins don’t have to trim their roster until Tuesday, but they have a head start after releasing quarterback Mike White.
According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the Dolphins also released tight end Jody Fortson Jr.
Fortson spent his career in Kansas City before joining the Dolphins.
He was considered a free agent backup because the Dolphins don’t have enough players at that position. Now he’s a free agent again because the Dolphins gave up on him.
The fate seemed clear in the preseason when his role was limited and other players like Tanner Conner and undrafted rookie Hayden Rucci took on larger roles. Against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Fortson got a chance to be more involved but was penalized twice and dropped one of the few passes thrown to him.
With Fortson out, the Dolphins still have decisions to make, which are actually a little more difficult. Miami has to decide whether to keep three or four tight ends. If they keep four, all of the current players on the unit will be included. The best two are clearly Jonnu Smith and Durham Smythe. The Dolphins are excited about Julian Hill, so keeping three makes sense.
The Dolphins had two tight ends last season, so it’s unlikely they’ll add four to the roster this year. Conner had a good preseason and training camp and has earned a spot on the roster.
If he’s healthy, and all indications are that he is, Miami could keep him as their fourth TE. Despite Rucci’s impressive play and workouts, he’s likely a player that will be cut and end up on the practice squad if he’s not claimed off the waivers list.
Fortson’s firing is no surprise, nor is the timing, two days before the Dolphins’ scheduled deadline.
