Dolphins releasing Raheem Mostert in first of several moves that will create cap space
Raheem Mostert, who led the NFL in touchdowns and made the Pro Bowl just a year ago, has been informed that the Dolphins are releasing him, the first of what is expected to be several moves to create badly needed salary cap space to augment the roster this offseason.
“Looks like my client Raheem Mostert will be playing elsewhere next season,” his agent, Brett Tessler, said on X on Friday. “Very thankful for his time with the Miami Dolphins and this gives them a chance to get younger and gives him a chance to pursue a ring elsewhere.”
The Dolphins entered Friday $12 million above this year’s projected salary cap, and needing room to sign at least seven starters and least a dozen backups. Releasing Mostert drops his 2025 Dolphins cap hit from $3.9 million to $1 million. None of his $2.4 million salary for 2025 was guaranteed.
Mostert ran 475 times for 2181 yards (4.6 per carry) and 23 touchdowns in his three seasons as a Dolphin, while catching 75 passes for 538 yards and five touchdowns.
Mostert had a history with Mike McDaniel in San Francisco and the Dolphins signed him several weeks after McDaniel was named Dolphins coach early in 2022.
He averaged 4.9 yards and 4.8 yards in his first two seasons as a Dolphin, and his 21 combined touchdowns (18 running, three receiving) led the league in 2023. His 1012 rushing yards in 2023 ranked 10th.
An NFL players poll named him the 60th best player in the league heading into last season.
But Mostert lost his starting job to De’Von Achane and his playing time diminished after two costly fumbles, including one in a loss at Indianapolis. He played only one snap in the season finale against the Jets and finished the season averaging just 3.3 per rush on 85 carries.
He started 14 and 15 games in his first two seasons in Miami but had just one start in 2024.
Mostert’s 5.0 career per carry average is fifth among active players and 11th all time.
Mostert, 32, appeared in one game for the Dolphins in 2015 (he was primarily a returner at that point in his career) and also has played for the Bears, Ravens, Browns and 49ers.
Miami will move ahead with Achane and second-year player Jaylen Wright at running back and likely will add two or three running backs free agency and/or the draft process. It’s unclear if unrestricted free agent Jeff Wilson Jr. will be re-signed.
This story was originally published February 14, 2025 at 2:24 PM.
