The Miami Dolphins dropped a news bombshell on Sunday afternoon, announcing the release of quarterback Mike White and tight end Jody Fortson Jr. as they continue to shuffle their deck. As if that wasn’t enough, the team also placed wide receiver Anthony Schwartz on injured reserve. The Dolphins are pulling no punches as they fine-tune their roster before the season kickoff.
Quarterback Conundrum: Mike White’s Release
In a move that’s got the fans buzzing, Mike White, the 29-year-old gunslinger who served as the team’s backup last season, is now a free agent. He became part of the Miami family after signing a two-year deal worth a whopping $8 million during the 2023 offseason. His departure shaves $3.5 million off the team’s salary cap—talk about a double-edged sword!
In the preseason, White’s performance was a mixed bag. He completed 20 of 43 passes for 179 yards. Meanwhile, his competition for the backup spot, Skylar Thompson, turned up the heat. Thompson completed 35 of 61 passes for a sizzling 379 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. It’s like a tango, where one partner simply outdanced the other.
Fortson’s Fortunes Fade
Jody Fortson Jr. also finds himself out of the Dolphins’ locker room. Signed in March, Fortson was sidelined last season due to a pesky preseason injury but has some impressive stats under his belt. He’s graced the NFL gridiron in 19 career games, with one start for the Chiefs, contributing 14 receptions for 155 yards and four touchdowns. It’s a numbers game, and unfortunately, Fortson was the odd man out.
Schwartz’s Season Cut Short
Anthony Schwartz, oh how the mighty have fallen! The wide receiver, who joined Miami’s practice squad last November, suffered a knee injury during a thrilling 17-yard reception in Friday’s preseason clash against the Bucs. The MRI results were gut-wrenching; a torn ligament means Schwartz will be out for the season. What a bummer! He’s appeared in 25 games with three starts during his two seasons with the Browns, recording 14 receptions for 186 yards and a touchdown. Fate has dealt him a rough hand.
In the end, these pivotal roster moves are all about the bigger picture—the glory of conquering the NFL battlefield. The Dolphins are not just tweaking; they’re turbocharging their campaign for greatness. There’s no room for passengers on this rocket ship. ¡Vamos Dolphins! The season awaits, thrilling as a cliffhanger and as promising as a sunrise over South Beach. 🌅