Phin Phanatic
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3 players that should not have made the Miami Dolphins 2021 roster

By Brian Miller

Jul 20, 2021; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; A general view of a Miami Dolphins helmet in the locker room during the grand opening at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 20, 2021; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; A general view of a Miami Dolphins helmet in the locker room during the grand opening at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 14, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Miami Dolphins tight end Cethan Carter (82) walks off the field after warmups before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 14, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Miami Dolphins tight end Cethan Carter (82) walks off the field after warmups before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports /

Cethan Carter is the team’s fifth tight end and I still am trying to figure out why and how the Dolphins decided to keep five tight ends on the team. Carter is behind Durham Smythe and rookie Hunter Long and even with the current Adam Shaheen situation, on the COVID IR list, Carter seems to be more luxury than a necessity.

The Dolphins could have used the roster spot for another offensive lineman or a running back instead. Carter wasn’t likely going to be claimed off waivers and the Dolphins could have brought him back after week one. Carter is set to count $2.7 million against the Dolphins cap this year and Miami would only have saved $1.5 million had they released him. Perhaps that is part of the reasoning for keeping him around.

Another possibility and frankly, a more likely reason is the fact that Carter is a better blocker than most of the other tight ends and with the Dolphins’ struggles at right tackle, Carter may be called upon to act as an outside blocker to help Austin Jackson. It would make sense and in fact, would be the only real reason that Miami opted to carry five on the roster.

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