Dolphins claim former Packers defensive tackle off waivers

CLEVELAND, OHIO - AUGUST 10: Guard Wyatt Davis #50 of the Cleveland Browns blocks defensive tackle James Ester #65 of the Green Bay Packers during the second half of a preseason game at Cleveland Browns Stadium on August 10, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Packers defeated the Browns 23-10. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Miami Dolphins have claimed defensive tackle James Ester off waivers, as per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

The Dolphins claimed DT James Ester off waivers from Green Bay. — Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 14, 2026 Ester, 24, signed a futures contract with the Packers in early 2025 and spent the entirety of last season on their practice squad. A futures contract is a deal signed by a free agent that locks them to a team’s practice squad or 90-man offseason roster for the following year.

He signed another futures contract with the Packers in 2026, but was recently released to make room for another players. As such, the Dolphins were able to swoop in and claim Ester. Though he has not played in an NFL game yet, Ester appeared made 43 starts in college over five seasons at Northern Illinois (2019-23), recording 121 tackles (50 solo), 20 tackles for a loss, and nine sacks.

At 6’3, 289 pounds, he’s slightly on the smaller side for a defensive tackle. However, Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley will know all about Ester and his strengths and weaknesses, having coached him in Green Bay last year. It’s a low-risk move for Miami in what will likely be a rebuilding year for the organization.