The Miami Dolphins have recently enlisted Willie Snead IV, a seasoned wide receiver, following a tryout session with eight players the previous day. In order to accommodate Snead on the team’s roster, the Dolphins released rookie free agent, defensive tackle Mario Kendricks from Virginia Tech.
Snead brings a substantial amount of NFL experience to the table, tallying 103 game appearances and 48 starts across a nine-year career span. His journey includes stints with the New Orleans Saints, Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, Las Vegas Raiders, and, most recently, the San Francisco 49ers. Over the last two seasons with the 49ers, Snead played four games each season, frequently moving between the practice squad and active roster.
Despite his impressive early career performance—recording 60 or more catches in three out of his first four seasons, including a personal best of 72 receptions for 895 yards and four touchdowns in 2014—Snead’s productivity has waned in recent years, with just six catches over the past three seasons.
The Dolphins’ decision to sign Snead comes amid a series of injuries within their wide receiver group. Before training camp even began, injuries have sidelined key players including newcomer veteran Odell Beckham Jr., rookie Tahj Washington, and second-year receiver Erik Ezukanma. Although the team boasts talents like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, Snead’s addition provides a veteran backup option amid ongoing challenges.
Snead joins other younger receivers on the roster, such as Braylon Sanders, Anthony Schwartz, first-year player Kyric McGowan, and rookie free agent Je’Quan Burton, rounding out the Dolphins’ options at the position.