The Miami Dolphins made some significant roster moves, cutting two tackles in favor of signing UFL standout Major Burns.
Cutting offensive linemen may not be a popular move for any team, but the Miami Dolphins cut two tackles to make way for UFL standout Major Burns.
Among the cuts were longtime tackle Kion Smith and Carter Warren. Warren suffered an injury, and is likely being wavied with an injury settlement.
What is most interesting about these moves is the exit of Smith. He was a longtime holdover from the Chris Grier era and was labeled as a guard/tackle on the official release.
The release of both Smith and Warren may also point to a bigger change in how the Dolphins' front office and coaching staff view the current crop of linemen. Having those players who jump or operate in the swing position may be the start, but it could also be a power and size type of structure.
Miami has Aaron Brewer at center, who just signed a lucrative three-year deal, and Patrick Paul in the left tackle position. Both have been mainstays on the line and have excelled at their respective positions.
On the right is Austin Jackson, who is great when healthy. The question mark on the right side is Jonah Savaiinaea, who was one of the worst-rated guards in the league in 2025. However, his move to the right guard position could pay dividends.
The new addition is Kadyn Proctor, the Dolphins' No. 12 overall pick, who is a staggering 6-foot-7 and 350 pounds.
All of this to say that most of the linemen on the team have strong physical presences and the power to move the pile.
Smith was a fringe guard/tackle who did not quite excel at either of those positions, and keeping him as a depth piece was a decision that was made by Grier alone.
Again, getting rid of any linemen, even depth pieces is never a good sign. However, the Dolphins have a clear vision in mind.
That vision has been propped up by general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Hafley. The idea is to bring in bigger and stronger players, and those hungry to make an impact.
That is not to say that Smith does not have that type of fire, but keeping a veteran on the roster who has not made much of an impact goes against the current roster rebuild or reset.
Considering the cutting of both Smith and Warren, while adding Burns, these moves also point to an even bigger goal in mind: infuse as much competition into the roster as possible. Even if that competition comes via reclamation projects of players that have not also had a bigger splash in the NFL thus far.
