The Miami Dolphins finished the year 7-10 as they lost their regular season finale to the AFC East division-winning New England Patriots. The loss represented Miami’s first time being swept by the Patriots since 2016.
The Dolphins wildly disappointing season never seemed to find its footing. The team was never .500 or better. They improved for a stretch, as they won five out of six games with a formula that relied on a strong run game. Unfortunately, Miami’s passing attack was not up to par. That resulted in the team making a change at quarterback, replacing Tua Tagovailoa with rookie seventh-round pick Quinn Ewers.
Wide receiver Tyreek Hill was badly missed from Miami’s offense. He missed a large portion of the season after a dislocated knee in Week 4 against the Jets ended his season. Miami’s only 300-yard passing performance came with Hill still in the lineup.
Dolphins Announce Signing of Wide Receiver
-WR AJ Henning -DT Alex Huntley -LB Derrick McLendon -LB K.C. Ossai -OL Josh Priebe -OL Kion Smith
Following the season, the Dolphins announced the signing of several players to reserve/future contracts. One of the players signed was wide receiver A.J. Henning. The wide receiver spent the year on the Dolphins’ practice squad, but was suspended by the NFL for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. Despite the suspension, it now seems the Dolphins liked what they saw out of Henning.
A reserve/future contract is a non-guaranteed, one-year deal. It gives the team the player’s rights for the next season without impacting the current salary cap or roster. Henning missed out on making the 53-man roster this season for the Dolphins, but he’ll have another chance next offseason after signing this deal.
A.J. Henning’s most productive season in college football occurred in 2024 as he had 59 receptions for 603 receiving yards while playing for Northwestern. He had previously spent his first three years of college at Michigan before transferring. The Draft Network described him as, “A quick-moving pass-catcher with slot playmaking ability. He is a versatile receiver who makes plays in multi-faceted ways.” He went undrafted prior to signing with the Dolphins’ practice squad.
Miami Dolphins Wide Receiver Room
The Dolphins wide receiver room is in a difficult spot this year. Tyreek Hill’s future with the team remains unclear, but all signs point to the team releasing him. After three straight 1,000-yard seasons, Jaylen Waddle has now caught less than 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons and the team may be inclined to revisit trade conversations.
In the offseason, the Dolphins signed Nick Westbrook-Ikhine to a two-year deal, but he caught only 11 passes this season. It was his lowest number since his rookie season in 2020. He has no guaranteed money remaining on his contract.
The team also has Malik Washington, Tahj Washington and Theo Wease on rookie contracts. Malik Washington was the leader of that bunch as he had 46 receptions this season. After Hill’s injury, the Dolphins brought back veteran Cedrick Wilson, but he’s set to be a free agent after the season.
Dolphins Sign Previously Suspended Wide Receiver