The Miami Dolphins are making strategic moves to bolster their defensive secondary and special teams as the 2026 NFL free agency period begins. They've brought in some fresh faces: former Las Vegas Raiders defensive back Lonnie Johnson, Jr., former Green Bay Packers safety Zayne Anderson, and former New England Patriots cornerback Alex Austin. These additions align with the team's focus on enhancing their defensive depth and special teams prowess.
Earlier, the Dolphins also added cornerback Darrell Baker and re-signed cornerback A.J. Green III, signaling a clear intent to strengthen their secondary.
Lonnie Johnson, Jr.
A 2019 second-round pick from the Houston Texans, Lonnie Johnson, Jr. has been something of a journeyman, with Miami becoming his seventh team as he enters his eighth NFL season. Johnson's career has seen him move from the Texans to a preseason stint with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022.
He then spent time with the Tennessee Titans before joining the New Orleans Saints in 2023. After a brief return to the Texans in 2024, he found his way to the Carolina Panthers' practice squad, eventually making it to the active roster.
In 2025, Johnson signed with the Raiders, starting the year on injured reserve and returning to action in Week 10.
Over his seven seasons, Johnson has accumulated 224 tackles, one fumble recovery, 17 passes defensed, and four interceptions in 92 games, with 22 starts. While he primarily played safety for the Raiders last year, his versatility on both defense and special teams is a valuable asset.
Johnson has agreed to a one-year contract with the Dolphins, though financial details remain undisclosed.
Zayne Anderson
An undrafted free agent from BYU in 2021, Zayne Anderson began his NFL journey with the Kansas City Chiefs, spending two years mainly on their practice squad. He moved to the Buffalo Bills in 2023 but was cut at the preseason's end, leading to a claim by the Packers. At 29, Anderson has played in 47 games over five years, recording 36 tackles, two fumble recoveries, two passes defensed, and an interception.
Last year, Anderson saw limited defensive action with the Packers but was heavily involved in special teams, contributing 206 snaps. Throughout his career, he's logged 700 special teams snaps compared to 145 on defense.
Despite ending 2025 with an ankle injury, he was active in all but one game. Anderson's connection with new Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley and GM Jon-Eric Sullivan, both from the Packers, likely influenced his move to Miami.
Anderson, previously a restricted free agent, became unrestricted when the Packers chose not to tender him. Contract specifics with the Dolphins haven't been disclosed.
Alex Austin
Alex Austin continues his journey through the AFC East, initially drafted in the seventh round by the Buffalo Bills in 2023. After being waived, he was picked up by the Texans, only to be waived again and signed by the Patriots. Austin has stayed with the Patriots for the past two seasons, appearing in 29 games with 6 starts, tallying 31 tackles, eight passes defensed, and an interception.
Austin has also been active on special teams and is expected to maintain that role with the Dolphins. He, like Anderson, was a restricted free agent not tendered by his former team, and he's agreed to a one-year deal with Miami, with no financial terms reported.
These signings reflect the Dolphins' commitment to reinforcing their roster with versatile players who can contribute across multiple facets of the game. As the new season approaches, Miami is positioning itself as a team ready to compete with depth and strategic acquisitions.