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A Miami Dolphins tight end was predicted to be released

In free agency, the Miami Dolphins had a unique approach as the team primarily signed free agents to veteran-minimum contracts, as they prioritized fixing their salary cap situation for 2027.

Regarding that approach, Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan said, “No big ticket items. We’re just not in a situation where we can do that. After we [signed] Malik we’ve tried to remain disciplined… we might add a vet here and there.”

Despite the minimum contracts, some veterans opted to sign with the Dolphins as the team would likely provide them an opportunity to start, which they likely would not have gotten elsewhere. However, after the 2026 NFL Draft that opportunity may be less feasible for some, as the team drafted players for the role they were supposed to fill.

As a result, one of Miami’s free agent additions has been predicted to be released by the Dolphins prior to the season.

Miami Dolphins Tight End Predicted to be Released

During free agency, the Miami Dolphins signed former Green Bay Packers tight end Ben Sims to a one-year contract. Despite the contract, FanSided’s Matt Fitzgerald expects Sims to be the odd man out at tight end in his 53-man roster predictions.

In Sims’ favor, Miami’s front office is familiar with the veteran tight end, as general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan was previously the Packers vice president of player personnel, and Sims spent three seasons with the Packers.

When Sims was signed, Sports Illustrated’s Jake Mendel wrote about his potential role, “Sims has a chance to leapfrog the group as No. 2 on the depth chart. He lacks production as a pass catcher, primarily because he’s blocked on 361 of his 520 regular-season snaps.” 

The primary reason for Sims’ roster spot being in doubt after the draft is that Miami selected two tight ends, including Will Kacmarek with their third-round pick. Kacmarek will likely serve as the direct competition for Sims, as both are known as blocking tight ends. 

If Sims does manage to beat out Kacmarek and become Miami’s No. 2 tight end, then his $1.15 million contract will be a bargain, and he will add to his $2.6 million in career earnings.

Miami Dolphins Tight Ends

Fortunately for the Dolphins, if they do move on from Sims, there will be few financial ramifications for Miami. USA Today writer Mike Masala noted that Miami Dolphins free agent addition Ben Sims’ contract does not guarantee him a spot on the team’s final roster for Week 1. Masala wrote:

“Miami gave Sims a one-year deal worth $1.33 million for 2026. That contract includes a $1.15 million and a $187,500 signing bonus. With the signing bonus being the only guaranteed money in the deal, the Dolphins could cut Sims any time before Week 1 and only have the $187,500 dead cap hit.”

Kacmarek will be tough to beat out for Sims, as he was viewed as perhaps the strongest blocker in this year’s draft class. Regarding Kacmarek, The Ringer’s Todd McShay wrote:

“As a blocker, he’s among the best in the class. Kacmarek has excellent power, leverage, and a wide, sturdy base, consistently generating movement at the point of attack. He plays with a high level of physicality and urgency, actively seeking contact and finishing reps. His ability to climb to the second level and execute combo blocks adds to his value in the run game, while his strength and anchor translate well to pass protection. He is a true in-line presence who can be trusted in all situations.”