MIAMI GARDENS — The Miami Dolphins have parted ways with tight end Tanner Conner.
A 3 1/2-season stint with the Dolphins ended abruptly on Thursday afternoon when the team announced Conner was waived.
Conner was a feel-good story as a rookie, making the team as an undrafted free agent in 2022, Miami’s first season with coach Mike McDaniel at the helm, along with offensive coordinator Frank Smith and tight ends coach Jon Embree.
Conner was a converted college wide receiver out of Idaho State and seen as a developmental prospect with potential. He played 13 games as a rookie but mostly on special teams and was only targeted three times that season, without a catch.
In 2023, as he worked on building muscle for the professional conversion to tight end, he didn’t make the Dolphins’ initial 53-player roster and was a member of the practice squad. He was brought up for three games that second season and was still without a reception.
In 2024, Conner played in eight games and made his first three career catches. He became a bigger part of the offense this season, as nine receptions for 91 yards.
With fellow tight end Darren Waller on injured reserve recovering from a pectoral injury, Conner was one of three tight ends on the active roster, with Julian Hill and Greg Dulcich. Miami also has second-year player Hayden Rucci on the practice squad, along with veteran Chris Myarick.
