The average of a Miami Dolphins player is just about 27 years old, making their roster the oldest in the NFL heading into the 2024 season.
When initial 53-man rosters were set earlier this week, the Dolphins narrowly edged the Minnesota Vikings as the oldest with an average age of 26.94. Since then, Miami has only gotten older by placing 22-year-old rookie Patrick McMorris on the injured reserve and bringing back 27-year-old long snapper Blake Ferguson.
While it’s not exactly a positive statistic, it’s not a shock either. Throughout the roster, the Dolphins brought in veterans this offseason who are near the end of their career to replace younger players who left.
Calais Campbell, who turns 38 on Sunday, is on the roster instead of 28-year-old Christian Wilkins. Out is 27-year-old DeShon Elliott and in are 33-year-old Jordan Poyer and 31-year-old Marcus Maye.
Fortunately for the Dolphins, they have ascending young players at important spots, including quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (26), wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (25), Jaelan Phillips (25), and safety Jevon Holland (24). If rookies Patrick Paul and Jaylen Wright prove capable long-term replacements for Terron Armstead and Raheem Mostert, Miami can continue to infuse youth in the lineup.
It’s a good thing to have a young roster, but the Dolphins probably shouldn’t be too worried that their roster is the oldest.