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The Miami Dolphins waived a tight end

The Miami Dolphins’ receiving options are limited heading into the 2026 season. After releasing Tyreek Hill and trading Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos, the weapons surrounding Malik Willis are perhaps not what fans might have envisioned once the Dolphins signed the dual-threat quarterback.

The team’s approach to adding weapons for Willis was signing veterans to minimum contracts and via the 2026 NFL Draft. As a result, this offseason, the Dolphins added or re-signed: Jalen Tolbert, Tutu Atwell, Greg Dulcich, Terrace Marshall Jr., Zack Kuntz, Caleb Douglas, Chris Bell, Will Kacmarek, Kevin Coleman Jr., and Seydou Traore.

However, after the Dolphins also added undrafted free agents, one of the previously named players was waived by the Miami Dolphins, ending his tenure without a single snap played for the team.

Miami Dolphins Waive Zack Kuntz

The Miami Dolphins announced via X that they had waived tight end Zack Kuntz. Kuntz was signed earlier this year after previously spending time with the New York Jets. 

Regarding the players Miami released, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald said on X: “Spots created for 10 undrafted rookies.”

Kuntz was a 2023 seventh-round draft pick with the Jets, who signed a four-year, $3.9 million rookie contract. However, Kuntz failed to make the roster with the Jets, but spent the 2023 and 2024 seasons on their practice squad. He was waived prior to the 2025 season by the Jets and was then drafted in the United Football League before being signed by the Dolphins in February.

Kuntz came into the NFL as a raw player, with a high upside due to his size and athleticism. Bleacher Report’s Derrick Klassen described him as “an uber-talented dice roll on a wide receiver/tight end hybrid type. He has all of the size and athletic talent in the world; he just needs a lot of work as a technician and in regard to play strength. The hope is that NFL coaching, as well as a pro strength and conditioning system, can get Kuntz to unlock his potential and become a passing-game weapon.”

Unfortunately, despite his raw skillset and impressive size, it appears the Miami Dolphins saw enough that they were comfortable moving on from him despite never having played for the team.

Miami Dolphins Tight Ends

Perhaps Kuntz’s direct replacement is sixth-round rookie tight end Seydou Traore, who also profiles as a potential receiving weapon for quarterback Malik Willis. 

Regarding Traore, The Athletic’s Dane Brugler wrote:

“Despite a slightly undersized frame, Traore is rocked-up and muscular through his arms, chest and lower body. He aligned primarily detached at Mississippi State, as a dynamic “big” slot, which showcased his smooth athleticism and after-catch talent (he had just three catches of 20-plus yards in 2025, though). He has more natural ball skills than one might expect from a player with his meager experience, and he shows ascending toughness through the catch point. His coaches praise his dedicated mindset and commitment. He doesn’t have the base strength to hold his ground as a blocker, but he is effective in the screen game, when he can close on targets in space.”

Like Kuntz, Traore fits the profile of an athletic but raw receiving tight end. Unfortunately for Kuntz, Traore is three years younger which makes him a better fit for the team.