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The Miami Dolphins made a roster move yesterday, but not the one most people expected. The team had been working to add free agent fullback Vonta Leach, but that seems to be changing. Instead, the team added wide receiver Kenny Stafford yesterday.
Stafford (6'2", 204) fills the vacant roster spot the team had after placing wide receiver Joe Hastings on the Reserve/Retired list. Hastings, 26, had to retire due to knee problems.
Stafford originally joined the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent out of Toledo last year. He was released during the preseason, spending time in the Arena Football League and Canadian Football League last year.
Meanwhile, the Dolphins seem to be backing away from Leach, with Miami Herald reporter Armando Salguero tweeting:
Source tells me #Dolphins standing pat, going to camp without signing FB Vonta Leach. No offer. Team will weigh options on roster. (More)
— Armando Salguero (@ArmandoSalguero) July 18, 2013
Backing away from Leach is Miami's choice. He wanted to play for the Dolphins. Wasn't using them for leverage. Was ready to sign.
— Armando Salguero (@ArmandoSalguero) July 18, 2013
Salguero and others continue to report that the Dolphins and Leach never actually talked money, so there was never a stalemate on compensation. It simply seems the Dolphins are ready to go forward with Jorvorski Lane as the team's fullback for the second year, and see if they can make that work.
Leach will now turn his attention to the other teams involved in the pursuit, likely ending up either back with the Baltimore Ravens or with the Houston Texans. The New York Giants are also thought to be interested.
The Dolphins open training camp this weekend, with the team reporting on Saturday and the first practice on Sunday. With the addition of Stafford, Miami now has a full 90-man roster, and they seem to be happy heading into camp.