Austin and the Dolphins agreed to terms on a one-year contract Wednesday, NFL reporter Jordan Schultz reports.

EDGE Analysis

Austin mostly served on special teams for the Patriots during the 2025 regular season, finishing with 13 tackles (10 solo) and one pass defense across 12 games. He'll likely reprise that role in Miami while also providing depth in the secondary.

Austin was informed Wednesday by the Patriots that they will not tender him a contract as a restricted free agent, so he will become an unrestricted free agent when the new league year begins March 11, Mark Daniels of Masslive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Austin appeared in 12 regular-season games for the Patriots in 2025. The 2023 seventh-round draft pick of the Bills has registered 31 tackles (25 solo) and eight passes defensed in 29 NFL appearances split between Buffalo and New England. Austin is likely to land a depth cornerback role somewhere on the open market.

The Patriots activated Austin (wrist) off injured reserve Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Austin has been sidelined since the team's Week 12 win over the Bengals but will seemingly make his return during Sunday's divisional-round matchup versus the Texans. The 24-year-old should resume his role as a special teamer and depth defender against Houston.

Austin (wrist) was a full participant at practice Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Austin practiced in full Wednesday for the first time since he was placed on New England's injured reserve list back in November. He still hasn't been fully activated from IR, but his recent activity signals he might be ready to play in the Divisional Round versus the Texans.

Austin (wrist) was not activated from injured reserve Saturday and has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's wild-card game against the Chargers.

EDGE Analysis

Austin turned in three limited practices for the second consecutive week, but it won't be enough for him to return. He hasn't played since Week 12, though he could be back for the divisional round should the Patriots defeat the Chargers on Sunday night.

Austin (wrist) is returning to practice Wednesday, per head coach Mike Vrabel, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Austin landed on injured reserve Nov. 25 due to a wrist injury. His return to practice Wednesday means he's eligible to be activated at any time, though it remains to be seen if New England will make that move ahead of Sunday's Week 18 game against the Dolphins. Prior to getting hurt, Austin had played in the Patriots' first 12 contests, logging 144 snaps on defense and 120 on special teams.

The Patriots placed Austin (undisclosed) on injured reserve Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

The cornerback will be forced to miss at least the next four games. Austin has appeared in all 12 games this season, logging 13 tackles (10 solo) and one pass breakup across 144 defensive snaps and another 120 on special teams.

The Patriots placed an exclusive rights tender on Austin on Wednesday, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Austin missed eight regular-season games in 2024 due to an ankle injury. He returned in Week 12 against the Dolphins, and over the final six games of the season he accrued nine tackles (eight solo) and five pass defenses. Austin will likely sign the tender and return for the 2025 season, and he'll have a chance to earn the second starting outside cornerback job opposite Christian Gonzalez (concussion).

Austin (ankle) was activated from injured reserve Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Austin's 21-day window was nearing a close, but he did log a set of full practices last week, despite remaining on IR. Now healthy, the 23-year-old should be on the field Sunday against the Dolphins.

Austin (ankle) was designated to return from injured reserve Wednesday, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Austin will now have a 21-day window to practice with the team before needing to be placed on the active roster. The second-year pro was mostly used on special teams before the injury and once healthy he will likely return to the same role.