Dolphins Cut Ties With 5-Year NFL Starter After OTAs

The Miami Dolphins are reshaping their offensive line after OTA sessions, signaling a push to strengthen protection for a quick-passing attack. The team drafted Alabama tackle Kadyn Proctor with their first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, planning to develop him at guard while training as a tackle, a move intended to bolster depth behind Patrick Paul and Austin Jackson. In a surprising move, Miami released veteran lineman Kion Smith, who appeared in 23 games with two starts over five seasons and earned a 34.0 Pro Football Focus grade last season. Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald noted the regime’s emphasis on a fresh evaluation of more than a dozen earlier acquisitions.

The roster shuffling underscores the Dolphins’ aim to stabilize a line that has been a point of contention in recent seasons, particularly when Jackson returned from foot issues exposed vulnerabilities. Proctor’s versatility could offer protection at multiple spots, easing concerns about left guard or tackle depth. The organization is pursuing a balance of youth and experience as it passes through OTAs into mandatory minicamps and the upcoming training camp, with an emphasis on building a reliable frontline for a faster, more efficient offense.