Dolphins claim former Packers defensive tackle off waivers

TL;DR

The Miami Dolphins have claimed defensive tackle James Ester off waivers from the Green Bay Packers. Ester, 24, has not yet played in an NFL game but had a notable college career at Northern Illinois.

Key points

Dolphins claimed James Ester off waivers from Packers
Ester spent last season on Packers' practice squad
He recorded 121 tackles and nine sacks in college
Ester is 6'3 and weighs 289 pounds
Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley previously coached Ester

James EsterNorthern IllinoisMiami DolphinsGreen Bay Packers

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. 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.

Q&A

Who is James Ester and what is his background?

James Ester is a 24-year-old defensive tackle who signed a futures contract with the Packers in 2025 and spent last season on their practice squad after starting 43 games at Northern Illinois.

Why did the Dolphins claim James Ester off waivers?

The Dolphins claimed Ester as a low-risk move to bolster their roster during what is expected to be a rebuilding year for the team.

What are James Ester's college statistics?

In college, James Ester recorded 121 tackles, 20 tackles for a loss, and nine sacks over five seasons at Northern Illinois.