The Miami Dolphins waived safety Don Jones and released wide receiver Damian Williams on Sunday, making roster space for safety Brandian Ross and cornerback Sammy Seamster. Jones did not stay unemployed for long, being claimed by the New England Patriots on Monday.
The Dolphins face the Patriots this Sunday in the NFL's opening weekend.
This is not unusual around the NFL, and especially when it comes to the Patriots. By claiming Jones, New England gets a chance to download everything he knows about Miami's new offensive scheme under first year offensive coordinator Bill Lazor, then can waive him again - assuming Bill Belichick decides Jones is not worthy of keeping on the roster throughout the year. The move also does not have the three-week commitment, or the six-day prior to a head-to-head matchup, that would come if the Patriots were to try to sign a player off of the Dolphins' practice squad.
In 2012, a similar situation happened when the New York Jets claimed defensive tackle Isaako Aaitui as the Dolphins tried to stash him on their practice squad. New York was scheduled to visit the Dolphins in Week 3 of the season. Unfortunately for Aaitui, he tore his ACL and MCL in his first practice with the Jets and was waived two days later.
The Dolphins and Patriots kickoff at 1pm ET Sunday