In a notable development for Mark Gronowski, the Miami Dolphins have released the former Iowa quarterback from their practice squad as of September 1, 2026. This move marks another chapter in Gronowski's fluctuating NFL career, which has seen him navigate multiple transactions since signing with the Dolphins earlier this year.
Gronowski initially joined the Dolphins as an undrafted free agent on May 11, 2026, following a standout college career at Iowa. However, his time with the team has been anything but stable. He was waived shortly after signing, only to be re-signed on August 16, 2026, under a one-year, $885,000 non-guaranteed contract. Despite these efforts, he faced further challenges, being waived again on August 30, 2026, before securing a spot on the practice squad the following day.
During his brief tenure with the Dolphins, Gronowski saw limited action in the preseason. He played 10 offensive snaps against the New York Giants, where he completed 2 of 5 passes for just one yard, while also rushing for nine yards. In a more promising performance against the Atlanta Falcons, he played 31 snaps, completing 4 of 8 passes for 97 yards and adding 28 rushing yards to his totals. These performances, while not stellar, showcased his potential as a dual-threat quarterback.
Gronowski's college career at Iowa was impressive, where he threw for 1,741 yards and 10 touchdowns in his only season as a starter. He also demonstrated his mobility, rushing for 545 yards and 16 touchdowns, helping the Hawkeyes achieve a 9-4 record and a 6-3 mark in the Big Ten Conference. His ability to make plays both in the air and on the ground made him a valuable asset during his time in college.
As a result of his release, Gronowski is now a free agent, allowing him the opportunity to sign with any team's practice squad or 53-man roster. His experience and skill set suggest that he could still be a valuable addition to another franchise looking for quarterback depth.
In addition to Gronowski's release, the Dolphins made other roster moves, including signing former Iowa EDGE Max Llewellyn to their practice squad. Llewellyn, who was selected by the Dolphins in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft, had a successful college career, recording 64 tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss, and 14.5 sacks over four years at Iowa. His addition to the practice squad reflects the Dolphins' continued focus on bolstering their defensive lineup.
As the NFL season progresses, all eyes will be on Gronowski as he seeks to find a new opportunity in the league. His journey thus far highlights the challenges many undrafted players face in establishing themselves in professional football, but his college pedigree suggests he has the potential to contribute at the next level.
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