Transaction Wire Highlights Moves by the Miami Dolphins

As the Miami Dolphins push for an AFC playoff spot in the 2027 season, their recent activity on the NFL transaction wire has signaled a clear commitment to strengthening key positional groups and fixing late-season vulnerabilities. Over the past three weeks, the Dolphins have made a series of strategic moves— including a trade for a veteran defensive tackle, a practice squad promotion for a promising young wide receiver, and a roster exemption for an injured running back— all aimed at shoring up depth and maximizing their chances of a postseason run. These transactions, while not headline-grabbing like blockbuster trades, reflect the Dolphins’ front office’s focus on incremental improvements that can make a difference in tight games. Transaction Wire Highlights Moves by the Miami Dolphins breaks down the most impactful recent moves, their rationale, and how they fit into the team’s overall strategy.

The Dolphins’ most notable transaction came in early December, when they traded a 2028 fifth-round draft pick to the Cleveland Browns for defensive tackle Shelby Harris. Harris, a 10-year veteran with 29.5 career sacks, was brought in to address the Dolphins’ struggling interior pass rush— a unit that had recorded just 11 sacks from defensive tackles through the first 13 games of the season. Harris, who has experience playing in Vic Fangio’s defensive scheme (having spent two seasons with Fangio in Denver), was expected to immediately contribute as a rotational pass rusher and run stopper. In his first three games with the Dolphins, Harris has tallied 1 sack, 6 tackles, and 2 quarterback hits, helping to disrupt opposing running games— the Dolphins have allowed just 87 rushing yards per game since his arrival, down from 102 yards per game earlier in the season. “Shelby is exactly the kind of player we needed,” Dolphins general manager Chris Grier said in a statement. “He brings experience, leadership, and a proven ability to make plays in the trenches. This move strengthens our defense and gives us more flexibility up front.” Transaction Wire Highlights Moves by the Miami Dolphins frames this trade as a targeted fix for a critical defensive weakness.

Another key move from the Dolphins’ transaction wire was the promotion of wide receiver Anthony Schwartz from the practice squad to the active roster. Schwartz, a former third-round pick of the Browns, was signed to the Dolphins’ practice squad in October after being waived by Cleveland. With Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle sidelined by a knee injury, Schwartz was called up to provide depth and speed in the passing game. Schwartz, who ran a 4.26 40-yard dash at the 2021 NFL Combine, has been used primarily on special teams and as a deep threat in the offense— he recorded his first catch as a Dolphin in Week 15, a 21-yard reception that set up a touchdown against the Bills. While Schwartz isn’t expected to replace Waddle’s production, his speed has forced opposing defenses to adjust their coverage, creating more space for Tyreek Hill and other Dolphins receivers. “Anthony gives us a different element— that home-run speed that can change a game in an instant,” Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said. “We’ve been impressed with his work ethic on the practice squad, and he’s earned the chance to contribute on Sundays.” Transaction Wire Highlights Moves by the Miami Dolphins explores how this promotion addressed a short-term need while potentially uncovering a long-term asset.

The Miami Dolphins also made a strategic move on the transaction wire by placing running back De’Von Achane on injured reserve (IR) with a designation to return— a decision that allowed them to free up a roster spot while ensuring Achane could return for the playoffs. Achane, who had rushed for 723 yards and 5 touchdowns in 10 games, suffered a mild ankle sprain in Week 14, and the Dolphins chose to use the IR designation to give him time to fully heal. Under NFL rules, players placed on IR with a return designation can miss a minimum of four games before being activated, which meant Achane would be eligible to return for the Dolphins’ first playoff game if they qualify. To replace Achane on the roster, the Dolphins signed veteran running back Kareem Hunt, who had been a free agent since being released by the Browns in November. Hunt, a two-time Pro Bowler, has rushed for 321 yards and 2 touchdowns in four games with the Dolphins, providing a reliable backup to Raheem Mostert. For the Miami Dolphins, this move balanced short-term depth needs with long-term playoff preparation— ensuring they had a capable replacement for Achane while not losing him for the entire postseason. Transaction Wire Highlights Moves by the Miami Dolphins examines how this IR decision reflected the team’s playoff-focused mindset.

On the defensive side, the Miami Dolphins added depth to their secondary by signing cornerback Cameron Dantzler to a one-year contract after he was released by the Minnesota Vikings. Dantzler, a former third-round pick, has started 33 games in his NFL career and has recorded 4 interceptions and 33 pass breakups. With Dolphins cornerback Nik Needham recovering from a hamstring injury, Dantzler was brought in to provide depth and compete for snaps in nickel and dime packages. In his first two games with the Dolphins, Dantzler has played 28 defensive snaps, mostly in sub-packages, and has recorded 3 tackles and 1 pass breakup. While he’s not expected to be a starter, Dantzler’s experience has helped stabilize a secondary that has been dealing with injuries throughout the season. “Cameron is a solid cornerback who knows how to play in this league,” Fangio said. “He’s picked up our scheme quickly, and he gives us another option when we’re in passing situations. Depth in the secondary is crucial this time of year, and this move helps us there.” For the Miami Dolphins, this signing was a low-risk, high-reward move that addressed a pressing need while not committing significant cap space. Transaction Wire Highlights Moves by the Miami Dolphins highlights how this addition strengthened the team’s defensive depth.

Looking ahead, the Dolphins’ recent transaction wire moves suggest a team that is focused on winning now while protecting its future. The trade for Harris and the signing of Hunt were made with the 2027 playoffs in mind, but they didn’t require the Dolphins to give up high draft picks or long-term cap space. The promotion of Schwartz and the signing of Dantzler, meanwhile, gave the team a chance to evaluate young or underutilized players for potential roles in future seasons. Grier has emphasized that the Dolphins’ transaction strategy is about balancing short-term success with long-term sustainability— a approach that has served them well in recent years. “We want to compete for a Super Bowl every year, but we also don’t want to mortgage our future to do it,” Grier said. “These moves allow us to be competitive now while keeping our options open for next season and beyond.” For the Miami Dolphins, the transaction wire will likely remain active in the final weeks of the regular season as they look to make any last-minute adjustments to their roster. Transaction Wire Highlights Moves by the Miami Dolphins concludes by noting that while these moves may not generate the same buzz as big-name signings, they could be the difference between a playoff berth and a missed opportunity.