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Dolphins Sign RB Coleman Bennett to One-Year Deal
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Dolphins Sign RB Coleman Bennett to One-Year Deal

Originally posted on Dolphins Talk  |  By Noah Clark  |  Last updated Aug 26, 2026 11:05 AM ET
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Dolphins Sign RB Coleman Bennett to One-Year Deal

The Miami Dolphins are adding another young player to their backfield, and this one has strong ties to South Florida.

Miami is signing running back Coleman Bennett to a one-year contract, bringing the rookie back to the area where he grew up after spending the offseason and preseason with the Chicago Bears.

Bennett entered the NFL this year as an undrafted free agent, signing with Chicago in May after finishing his college career at Kennesaw State. The Bears waived Bennett on August 17 as they continued making roster adjustments ahead of the regular season.

Bennett Returns Home to South Florida

For Bennett, signing with Miami represents something of a homecoming.

He attended Cardinal Gibbons High School in Fort Lauderdale, where he served as a team captain and helped lead the Chiefs to their first Class 5A state championship. Bennett was also a captain of the school’s track and field team.

His college career took him through several programs. Bennett spent four seasons at Bucknell before playing at Rice in 2024 and eventually transferring to Kennesaw State for the 2025 season.

It was at Kennesaw State where Bennett put together a strong final collegiate season. He played in all 14 games and rushed for 764 yards on 157 carries with four touchdowns. Bennett also showed his ability as a receiver, catching 27 passes and scoring three receiving touchdowns.

That versatility helped Bennett earn an opportunity with Chicago as an undrafted free agent following the 2026 NFL Draft.

Bennett Brings Special Teams Experience

One aspect of Bennett’s game that could help him compete for a role in Miami is his special-teams experience.

During his career at Bucknell, Bennett returned 69 kickoffs for 1,413 yards, averaging 20.5 yards per return and scoring one touchdown. In 2023, he was named First-Team All-Patriot League as a return specialist and Second-Team All-Patriot League as a running back.

For players fighting for spots near the bottom of an NFL roster, special teams versatility can be extremely valuable.

Bennett also has NFL bloodlines. His father, Donnell Bennett Jr., played fullback in the NFL for Kansas City and Washington. The younger Bennett told the Bears earlier this year that his father helped teach him about both football and the business side of playing professionally.

Another Late Addition for Miami

At this stage of the preseason, every roster move is worth watching as the Dolphins continue to evaluate their depth and determine which players fit into their plans for the regular season.

Bennett will have to make an impression quickly, but his ability to contribute as a runner, receiver and return specialist gives Miami another versatile option to evaluate.

After beginning his NFL career with the Bears, Bennett now gets another opportunity — this time much closer to home.

The Dolphins are taking a low-risk look at a young running back who has shown versatility throughout his college career. With roster decisions approaching, Bennett will now try to turn his South Florida homecoming into a longer stay with the Dolphins.

This article first appeared on Dolphins Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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