The Miami Dolphins officially signed 10 undrafted free agents on April 29.
Each player would earn $610,000 if they make the team, but signing bonuses and guaranteed money are negotiated on a player-by-player basis.
The Dolphins are giving Middle Tennessee State University defensive end Tyshun Render the largest guarantee of the class at $65,000. Render recorded 49 tackles and 3.5 sacks last season, as well as two forced fumbles and an interception.
The Dolphins plan to use him at defensive end, but will also take advantage of his abilities at the outside linebacker spot as well.
The remaining contracts for the Dolphins’ undrafted rookies are below:
- Northwestern State offensive lineman Jonathan Hubbard: $35,000 guaranteed, including a $10,000 signing bonus
- University of South Carolina offensive lineman Donell Stanley: $30,000 guaranteed, including a $10,000 signing bonus
- Iowa State University defensive tackle Ray Lima: $27,000 guaranteed, including a $15,000 signing bonus
- Ole Miss defensive tackle Benito Jones: $25,000 guaranteed, including a $10,000 signing bonus
- Division 2 McKendree University receiver Matt Cole: $22,000 guaranteed, including a $12,000 signing bonus
- Arkansas State University receiver Kirk Merritt: $20,000 guaranteed, including a $10,000 signing bonus
- Kansas State University offensive tackle Nick Kaltmayer: $15,000 guaranteed, including a $5,000 signing bonus
- University of Pittsburgh linebacker Kylan Johnson: $10,000 guaranteed, including a $2,500 signing bonus
- Montana State University defensive end Bryce Sterk, who was converted to a tight end: $5,000 guaranteed, all in the form of a signing bonus
It is unclear how many of these players will make the roster, but more guaranteed money likely means more faith they will be around for Week 1
Last season, four undrafted free agents made the roster.
Shaq Calhoun, Patrick Laird, Jonathan Ledbetter and Preston Williams started a combined 19 games as rookies.
Williams shone before suffering a torn ACL. The other three had varying degrees of success, which is expected from undrafted free agents.
If Miami can find similar success in the undrafted free agent market this season, it will be another testament to the scouting department.