Miami Dolphins Release Mike Hilton, Pharaoh Brown, And More In First Batch Of Roster Cuts

The Miami Dolphins are trimming down to their final 53-man roster ahead of the NFL’s Tuesday deadline.

Here’s a list of all the players who have reportedly been released so far:

• RB Aaron Shampklin
• RB Mike Boone
• WR AJ Henning
• TE Pharaoh Brown
• TE Chris Myarick
• OL Jackson Carman
• OL Jalen McKenzie
• OL Mason Brooks
• OL Addison West
• DT Ben Stille
• CB Mike Hilton
• CB Ethan Robinson

Fans might not be surprised by most, if not all, of these roster cuts. But there are some intriguing notes to take from the team’s first batch of moves.

The Emergence Of Jason Marshall Jr

The Miami Dolphins signed CB Jack Jones and Mike Hilton back in late July as an attempt to help fortify one of the thinnest position rooms on their roster. Jones has been an all-or-nothing type of player since joining the team. However, due to his play and injuries at CB, Jones might end up starting opposite Storm Duck in Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts.

Some, including myself, saw the resume and skillset of Mike Hilton and believed he would be the team’s clear-cut starter at Nickel. Throughout training camp, it seems like perception began to shift as the team put more focus on the younger guys.

This includes 5th-round rookie Jason Marshall. The former Florida CB eventually made a more prominent move to Nickel and actually played well in the role. So, Hilton’s release appears to indicate the coaching staff’s confidence in Marshall as the starting Nickel cornerback moving forward.

What Happens At TE?

When the Miami Dolphins signed Pharaoh Brown back in March, the belief was that he would be a big part of the team’s running game. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen, and now he’s among the team’s first roster cuts.

The TE room has been a topic of conversation throughout training camp. Whether we’re talking about the now-unretired Darren Waller or the team’s decision to trade Jonnu Smith (who broke franchise records last season), there is a real sense of uncertainty surrounding the position room.

Julian Hill will be asked to act as the team’s main blocking TE, and possibly even its TE1 (depending on Darren Waller’s status). Considering his poor play in the 2024 season, you can’t blame fans for not being overly excited to see Hill once again in a prominent role.

Tanner Conner is a developmental player with years of experience in this offensive scheme. If it was ever going to come together for him, it’s now or never. Hayden Rucci has shown promise as a blocking TE over the last two pre-seasons.

While I would love to see the team address the TE room in free agency, I am interested to see Conner and Rucci potentially making this roster. Especially Rucci, who could have the potential to take on the role fans once envisioned for Pharaoh Brown.

Will The Miami Dolphins Address RB In Free Agency?

There’s no doubt about it, Ollie Gordon has been an absolute powerhouse this pre-season. He’s not only earned a spot on the 53, but he’s earned a meaningful role in this offense. Problem is, he’s currently the only healthy RB on the roster.

Ollie Gordon has certainly passed the eye test but his metrics are even better:

T-1st in 3rd Down Rush Conv. (100%)
3rd in EPA/Rush (.12)
3rd in YPC (4.8)
3rd in 1D/Rush (31%)
4th in Rush YDs (126)
4th in Yards after Contact (3.88)
6th in Rush Success (42.3%)

min. 20 rushes pic.twitter.com/WCgocqyT16

— Hussam Patel (@HussamPatel) August 24, 2025

Star RB De’Von Achane is currently dealing with a soft-tissue injury. While the team appears relatively unconcerned about his status for week 1, that’s still something to note. HC Mike McDaniel recently confirmed that Jaylen Wright is dealing with a leg injury and is “week-to-week.”

As teams continue to make roster cuts, it’ll be interesting to see if the Dolphins dive into the free agency waters to address the RB room.

What are your thoughts on the Miami Dolphins’ first batch of roster cuts? What positions should the team address in free agency, once the final 53-man roster deadline hits? Let us know in the comments!