Posted on Sep 30

Dolphins GM Chris Grier on Cam Smith: "He’s got to stay healthy and be on the field."

Posted Sep 30, 2025

The Miami Dolphins have waived cornerback Cam Smith, the 51st overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, after a challenging rookie season marked by injuries and limited playing time.

Why it matters: This decision reflects the Dolphins' ongoing efforts to refine their defensive backfield amid a significant roster overhaul.

Smith's release follows the departure of notable players like Jalen Ramsey and Xavien Howard, highlighting the team's shift in strategy at the cornerback position.
As the Dolphins seek to bolster their secondary, the move opens up opportunities for other cornerbacks on the depth chart, including Kendall Sheffield and Storm Duck.

What’s new: The Dolphins continue to reshape their roster as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Smith played 15 games primarily on special teams during his rookie year but struggled to establish himself as a key defensive contributor.
General Manager Chris Grier had previously expressed high expectations for Smith, emphasizing the need for him to stay healthy and deliver consistent performance.

By the numbers: Smith logged a career-high of 133 defensive snaps last season but was placed on the non-football illness list before the current campaign.

His challenges included spending the first seven weeks of the previous season on injured reserve, which hindered his ability to earn trust from former defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.

Yes, but: Despite showing flashes of potential during his time at South Carolina, Smith could not secure a lasting role with the Dolphins.

His accolades, including being a two-year starter and earning second-team All-SEC honors, raised expectations that ultimately went unmet at the professional level.

What to watch: With Smith's departure, the Dolphins will likely look to solidify their cornerback group through free agency or the draft.

The team needs reliable options to complement its defense as it prepares to compete in an increasingly competitive AFC East.

The bottom line: Waiving Cam Smith is a critical step for the Dolphins as they aim to enhance their defense and create a more robust cornerback rotation.

As the team moves forward, the focus will be on identifying players who can contribute effectively, ensuring that such setbacks do not hinder their aspirations for the upcoming season.

Dolphins GM Chris Grier on Cam Smith: "He’s got to stay healthy and be on the field."

Alex Parker

Posted Sep 30, 2025

The Miami Dolphins have waived cornerback Cam Smith, the 51st overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, after a challenging rookie season marked by injuries and limited playing time.

Why it matters: This decision reflects the Dolphins' ongoing efforts to refine their defensive backfield amid a significant roster overhaul.

Smith's release follows the departure of notable players like Jalen Ramsey and Xavien Howard, highlighting the team's shift in strategy at the cornerback position.

As the Dolphins seek to bolster their secondary, the move opens up opportunities for other cornerbacks on the depth chart, including Kendall Sheffield and Storm Duck.

What’s new: The Dolphins continue to reshape their roster as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Smith played 15 games primarily on special teams during his rookie year but struggled to establish himself as a key defensive contributor.

General Manager Chris Grier had previously expressed high expectations for Smith, emphasizing the need for him to stay healthy and deliver consistent performance.

By the numbers: Smith logged a career-high of 133 defensive snaps last season but was placed on the non-football illness list before the current campaign.

His challenges included spending the first seven weeks of the previous season on injured reserve, which hindered his ability to earn trust from former defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.

Yes, but: Despite showing flashes of potential during his time at South Carolina, Smith could not secure a lasting role with the Dolphins.

His accolades, including being a two-year starter and earning second-team All-SEC honors, raised expectations that ultimately went unmet at the professional level.

What to watch: With Smith's departure, the Dolphins will likely look to solidify their cornerback group through free agency or the draft.

The team needs reliable options to complement its defense as it prepares to compete in an increasingly competitive AFC East.

The bottom line: Waiving Cam Smith is a critical step for the Dolphins as they aim to enhance their defense and create a more robust cornerback rotation.

As the team moves forward, the focus will be on identifying players who can contribute effectively, ensuring that such setbacks do not hinder their aspirations for the upcoming season.