With both the UFL and NFL in their offseason lulls, it's the perfect time to dive into some offseason content. As the UFL awaits the next wave of NFL signings for the 2026 player acquisition cycle, we're taking a look back at how each NFL team has utilized spring football as a developmental pipeline during the modern era of spring football since 2022. We begin the series with the Miami Dolphins, highlighting every spring league player the organization has signed over the past four years.
2022 Cycle:
The Dolphins would sign two players from the 2022 USFL season. Tino Ellis (Michigan Panthers), and Tucker Addington (Houston Gamblers), would both spend time with Miami. Ellis spent 2022 on the Dolphins practice squad before being waived with an injury settlement in 2023. Addington would sign with the Dolphins in 2024, appearing in three games for the team. After stints with the Jaguars, Texans, and Steelers, Addington signed back with the Dolphins in March of 2026.
2023 Cycle:
The Dolphins signed three XFL players and two USFL players from the 2023 signing cycle. Bryce Thompson (Seattle Sea Dragons), Mike Rose (St. Louis Battlehawks), and Mark Gilbert (Pittsburgh Maulers) all signed contracts with Miami before being released during training camp. The Dolphins signed Mathew Sexton (Vegas Vipers) during OTAs in 2024 and Aaron Shampklin (Houston Gamblers) during the training of 2025 who was released at the conclusion of training camp.
2024 Cycle:
Post merger, the Dolphins signed two UFL players from the San Antonio Brahmas. Wyatt Ray, and Anthony McFarland both earned contracts with McFarland being released during the final cuts in 2024. Ray’s season would come to an end due to injury ending his season on injured reserve.
2025 Cycle:
The 2025 class saw Miami sign three players from the UFL. Mason Brooks (D.C. Defenders), and Cam Dantzler (Memphis Showboats) both were signed, however were cut during final cuts. The Dolphins would sign Seth Vernon (Michigan Panthers) in March only to be released during OTAs.
Currently, the Dolphins have signed 12 players over the last five seasons. The team has signed Gottlieb Ayedze and Major Burns in the 2026 class with both players hoping to find a home in Miami. UFL to NFL signings will continue once the teams begin training camp, later in July.