Dolphins Signed Linebacker Shaka Heyward
The 6-foot-3 linebacker joins the 0-3 Dolphins from the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Football
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The Miami Dolphins have added depth to their linebacker corps by signing Shaka Heyward, an undrafted free agent who previously played for the Cincinnati Bengals. The move comes as the team looks to address roster gaps while holding a 0-3 record this season.
Why it matters
The signing aims to bolster a defense that is currently managing injury concerns for linebackers Ronnie Harrison Jr. and Trey Moore, who are both on the injured reserve list. As the team searches for its first win, the addition provides immediate depth to the active 53-man roster.
Heyward recorded 16 total tackles over 12 games in 2025, an increase from his 6 tackles in 6 games during the 2024 season. He joins the Dolphins roster as the team carries a 0-3 win-loss record.
The players
Shaka Heyward
A 6-foot-3 linebacker who previously played 18 games for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Ronnie Harrison Jr.
A Dolphins linebacker who is currently sidelined on injured reserve.
Trey Moore
A Dolphins linebacker who is currently on the injured reserve list.
Miami Dolphins
The professional football team currently holding a 0-3 season record.
The details
The Dolphins signed the 6-foot-3 linebacker directly from the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad to fill a spot on the 53-man roster. Heyward, who originally entered the league as an undrafted free agent from Duke, has appeared in 18 total NFL games throughout his career. He is the cousin of NFL players Cameron and Connor Heyward.
Timeline
Tuesday, September 29, 2026: The Dolphins officially signed Shaka Heyward.
2025: Heyward recorded 16 tackles in 12 games.
2024: Heyward recorded six tackles in six games.
Beyond the 305
This transaction follows standard NFL protocols regarding the league's 53-man roster limit. The move reflects a common league-wide strategy to cycle players from practice squads to active rosters to compensate for recurring injury concerns.
Fans can expect to see if the new addition provides the needed depth during the Dolphins' next game as the team attempts to turn around its 0-3 record. His performance will be monitored to see if he can help stabilize a linebacker unit hampered by recent injuries.
The takeaway
The team's defensive depth is the primary metric to follow as the season progresses. Watch the team's upcoming injury reports to see if the linebacker unit remains thin or if new additions stabilize the defense.
Further reading
Keep up with the latest roster changes and injury reports in our Football section.
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