Wire Transactions Detail Changes for the Miami Dolphins

In the wake of placing defensive tackle Zach Sieler on injured reserve, the Miami Dolphins made a series of strategic wire transactions on Wednesday to shore up roster depth and ensure readiness for their Week 18 showdown with the Buffalo Bills. These moves—including practice squad elevations, a free-agent signing, and a corresponding release—reflect the Dolphins’ proactive approach to managing their roster amid injury challenges, prioritizing positions that need immediate reinforcement. Wire transactions, which involve last-minute adjustments to active rosters and practice squads, are often critical for teams in the final stretch of the season, and Miami’s latest moves are no exception. Wire Transactions Detail Changes for the Miami Dolphins breaks down each adjustment, the reasoning behind them, the players involved, and how they strengthen the Dolphins’ lineup heading into a high-stakes divisional game.

Wire Transactions Detail Changes for the Miami Dolphins first includes the elevation of two practice squad players to the active roster: defensive tackle Jonathan Ledbetter and special teams ace Cameron Goode. Ledbetter’s elevation comes just one day after the Dolphins signed Benito Jones to the active roster, doubling down on defensive line depth in the wake of Sieler’s injury. The 27-year-old Ledbetter, who joined Miami’s practice squad in October, has NFL experience with the Atlanta Falcons and Arizona Cardinals, recording 45 tackles and 3 sacks in 32 career games. His ability to play both defensive tackle and end gives the Dolphins flexibility in their rotation, especially against the Bills’ run-heavy offense. Goode, a linebacker who was previously elevated for Week 17, returns to the active roster to bolster special teams—a unit that allowed a 45-yard kickoff return against the Patriots last week. “Jonathan and Cameron have earned these opportunities through their work in practice,” said Dolphins general manager Chris Grier. “Ledbetter adds depth to our D-line at a critical time, and Goode brings energy to our special teams—two areas we need to be strong in against Buffalo.”

To balance these elevations, Wire Transactions Detail Changes for the Miami Dolphins also includes the release of reserve offensive lineman Ryan Hayes. Hayes, a seventh-round draft pick in 2023, spent most of the season on the practice squad before being signed to the active roster in December. However, with starting offensive linemen Terron Armstead and Robert Hunt returning to full health, Hayes became a surplus piece, and his release opens up a spot on the 53-man roster for the elevated practice squad players. The Dolphins also signed free-agent tight end Nick Vannett to the practice squad, adding depth to a position group that has dealt with minor injuries to Durham Smythe (who is still recovering from a knee sprain). Vannett, a veteran with 83 career games under his belt, has played for six NFL teams, including the Seattle Seahawks and Pittsburgh Steelers, and is known for his blocking ability—something the Dolphins value in two-tight end sets. “Releasing Ryan was a difficult decision, but it’s part of managing our roster to meet immediate needs,” Grier explained. “Signing Nick to the practice squad gives us another reliable option at tight end, which is important as we head into the final week of the regular season.”

Wire Transactions Detail Changes for the Miami Dolphins also addresses a key need on special teams, where the Dolphins have struggled with coverage consistency in recent weeks. Goode’s elevation is specifically designed to fix this: the 25-year-old linebacker led the Dolphins’ practice squad in special teams tackles during the week, and his speed and tackling ability make him a asset on kickoff and punt coverage. Against the Bills, who rank 10th in kickoff return average, Goode’s presence could prevent big plays that swing momentum. For the Miami Dolphins, special teams often make the difference in close games—their Week 17 win over the Patriots was sealed by a blocked punt—and these transactions ensure they’re not caught off guard. “Special teams is a third of the game, and we can’t afford to overlook it,” said Dolphins special teams coordinator Danny Crossman. “Cameron Goode is the kind of player who embraces special teams roles—he’s not afraid to run downfield and make tackles, and that’s exactly what we need against Buffalo’s return unit. This elevation isn’t just a depth move; it’s a strategic one to help us win the field position battle.”

Another layer of Wire Transactions Detail Changes for the Miami Dolphins is the focus on positional versatility, a hallmark of head coach Mike McDaniel’s roster construction. Ledbetter’s ability to play multiple defensive line positions allows the Dolphins to adjust their scheme based on the Bills’ formations—he can line up at tackle in run-defense packages and shift to end in passing situations. Vannett, too, offers versatility: while he’s primarily a blocking tight end, he has 61 career receptions, giving the Dolphins a checkdown option if Smythe isn’t ready to play full snaps. This flexibility is crucial against a Bills defense that often mixes coverages and formations to confuse opponents. For the Miami Dolphins, these transactions aren’t just about filling spots—they’re about creating a roster that can adapt to any scenario. “Coach McDaniel always talks about building a ‘positionless’ roster, where players can contribute in multiple ways,” Grier said. “Jonathan Ledbetter and Nick Vannett fit that mold perfectly. They don’t just play one role—they can step in wherever we need them, and that’s what makes our team stronger.”

The final dimension of Wire Transactions Detail Changes for the Miami Dolphins is the impact these moves have on team morale and confidence. For practice squad players like Ledbetter and Goode, being elevated to the active roster is a validation of their hard work—an acknowledgment that their contributions in practice haven’t gone unnoticed. This can boost not only their own performance but also the morale of the entire team, as it shows that opportunities are available for those who earn them. For the Miami Dolphins, maintaining a positive team culture is just as important as having talent on the field, especially during a stressful stretch of the season. “Seeing guys like Jonathan and Cameron get elevated is inspiring for everyone,” said Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. “They come to work every day, even when they’re not on the active roster, and they give it their all. It’s a reminder that we’re all in this together, and every role matters. These transactions aren’t just about football—they’re about rewarding dedication, and that makes our team closer.” As the Dolphins prepare to face the Bills, these wire transactions have strengthened their roster, boosted their confidence, and positioned them to compete for a divisional title and a top seed in the AFC playoffs.