The Miami Dolphins wasted no time making a move after the Denver Broncos’ surprising decision on Justin Joly. Joly was claimed off waivers today and is now on Miami’s 53-man roster after Denver cut him yesterday when it finalized its 2026 NFL season roster.
That release stood out because the Broncos used the 152nd overall pick on Joly in the fifth round earlier this year. Denver had been hoping he would clear waivers so it could add him to the practice squad, but that path is gone now.
Joly’s college resume helps explain why his name popped once he hit the wire. He started at Connecticut before finishing his final two seasons at NC State, where he put up 49 catches for 489 yards and seven touchdowns. He also earned First-Team All-ACC honors in 2025, a nod that marked him as one of the nation’s elite pass-catching tight ends.
His NFL adjustment apparently wasn’t smooth in fall camp or during the preseason, but he did flash late. Joly’s 88-yard touchdown catch in the 2026 NFL Preseason finale offered a quick reminder of what NC State fans had already seen from him.
Now he gets a fresh start in Miami.
Elsewhere in Pack Pro news, the Panthers released offensive lineman Chandler Zavala today. Carolina drafted Zavala in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and he has appeared in 34 games over the last three seasons with 14 starts.
That leaves 18 former NC State players on 53-man rosters heading into the 2026 NFL season, with Joly among them after his move to the Dolphins.
The full list includes Anthony Belton, Garrett Bradbury, Joe Thuney, Bradley Chubb, AJ Cole, Cory Durden, Caden Fordham, Sabastian Harsh, BJ Hill, Dylan McMahon, Jacoby Brissett, Bam Knight, Alim McNeill, Jakobi Meyers, Kentavius Street, Drake Thomas, and Payton Wilson.
In Other News...
NC State Just Hit A Recruiting Setback It Cant Ignore
NC States 2027 recruiting board took a hit when Jaydn Jenkins, a four-star center, moved on from the Wolfpack as he trimmed his list to Michigan State, Xavier, Ohio State and Georgetown. Jenkins had been one of the more important names tied to NC States early work in the class, so his decision to leave the Wolfpack off the final group changes the picture around a key frontcourt target.
The timing makes it sting a little more because Jenkins has already been on campus at Xavier and is lining up visits to the other schools still in the mix. NC State, meanwhile, has one commit in the 2027 class and is still working other options such as Ian Condon and Mekhi Allen, which means the staff has room to keep building, but also another position group to address after losing ground with Jenkins. [Read more 🡒]
NC States Opener Exposed One Troubling Split On Offense
NC States season opener offered an early look at where the offense looked steady and where it still needs work, and the PFF grades told a pretty clear story. Will Wilson earned the top overall mark even with limited snaps, which at least gives the Wolfpack something encouraging to build around, while the offensive line held up well in pass protection and gave the quarterback a cleaner night than the run game got.
The more troubling part was the split elsewhere on the field. The receivers and tight ends did not grade out nearly as well, and the tight end group in particular showed a sharp drop from last seasons level. For an offense that wants balance, that kind of divide matters, because the protection looked usable but the supporting cast in the passing game did not consistently match it. [Read more 🡒]
NC States Virginia Loss Revealed Which Newcomers Could Actually Matter
NC States loss at Virginia still offered a useful early look at some newcomers who may end up meaning something down the line. Jackson Waller handled the punting duties and showed enough leg strength to change field position, while Victor Snow and King Mack were involved on the back end and in the passing game, giving the staff a first chance to see how those pieces fit when the pace gets real.
The defensive side of the debut list was just as encouraging for a team trying to sort out its depth. Mack, Dyson III and Aguirre all showed up in the tackle column, and Aguirre left with a strong impression after speaking afterward about his trust in the coaching staff despite the outcome. For a Wolfpack team looking for answers beyond the headline result, the trip to Charlottesville at least revealed a few players who might deserve a longer look. [Read more 🡒]