MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Miami Dolphins backfield just lost its lead blocker. NFL insider Mike Garafolo reported Friday that the team and Pro Bowl fullback Alec Ingold are parting ways ahead of the 2026 free agency window. The 29-year-old veteran is immediately free to sign with a new team.
A Cap Casualty in South Florida
Releasing Ingold frees up roughly $3.06 million in cap space for a Miami front office desperate to balance the books. The former Wisconsin Badger spent the last four seasons executing head coach Mike McDaniel’s demanding blocking schemes, helping power one of the league’s most explosive rushing attacks. He isn’t just a human battering ram; Ingold leaves Miami with 75 career receptions and six all-purpose touchdowns across his seven-year NFL career.
“The Dolphins and 2023 Pro Bowl FB Alec Ingold are parting ways… The three-time Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee and team captain had discussions with Miami about a new deal but he will be released and free to sign with a team as soon as today.”— Mike Garafolo, NFL Network Insider
Bigger Than Football
Beyond the gridiron, Ingold leaves a massive footprint in the South Florida community. He is a three-time nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. Through the Ingold Family Foundation, he heavily supports children in the child welfare system. The fullback authored the book “The 7 Crucibles,” developed adversity-overcoming curriculums for local schools, and continues to fundraise for SOS Children’s Villages Florida. You could always feel his impact in the community just as much as you heard his pads popping on Sundays.
Playoff Implications / What’s Next
The free-agent market for true fullbacks is tight, but Ingold sits at the very top of the class. Teams looking to establish a physical, downhill run game will dial his agent immediately. A return to his roots makes logical sense. The Bay Port High School graduate and former Wisconsin star—who ran for 17 career touchdowns in Madison—could attract heavy interest from the Green Bay Packers. Head coach Matt LaFleur doesn’t traditionally use a true fullback, but bringing a local hero home to protect Jordan Love could add a bruising new dimension to the Packers’ offense.
