Former Patriots draft pick claimed on waivers by rival Dolphins

September 1, 2026 - 01:14

The Miami Dolphins have added a familiar face from their AFC East rivals, claiming defensive back Marcellas Dial on waivers. Dial, a sixth-round pick by the New England Patriots in the 2024 NFL Draft, was let go by the team earlier this week as they trimmed their roster to the 53-man limit.

Dial spent his rookie season with the Patriots, appearing in 14 games primarily on special teams. He saw limited action on defense, recording just a handful of tackles. The former South Carolina standout was expected to compete for a backup cornerback role this summer, but he struggled with consistency during preseason and ultimately lost out on a roster spot.

For the Dolphins, the move is a low-risk, high-reward addition. Miami has been dealing with injuries in their secondary, and Dial brings some youth and athleticism to the position group. He is known for his physical style of play and his ability to contribute on coverage units, which could make him a valuable asset on game days.

The Patriots' decision to waive Dial was not entirely surprising, as they have a crowded defensive backfield. However, seeing him land with a division rival adds a bit of an edge to the transaction. The Dolphins will likely give him a chance to earn a role on their practice squad or the active roster as they continue to evaluate their options. For now, Dial gets a fresh start in Miami, and the Dolphins get another body to compete for playing time.