The Miami Dolphins keep churning through additions after finalizing their 53-man roster, and the latest move brings in a familiar name with plenty of draft pedigree and very little production to show for it.
On Tuesday, Miami added interior defensive line help by signing Mazi Smith to the practice squad, according to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team. Meirov wrote, "The Dolphins have signed former Cowboys 1st-round DT Mazi Smith to their practice squad," and added, "Smith was recently released by the Jets but will stay in the AFC East."
Smith arrives in Miami after being let go by New York, and the Dolphins clearly see enough upside to give him a shot. At this stage, any player who can provide immediate depth is worth a look for a roster that could use help just about everywhere except running back and center.
The 25-year-old was taken No. 26 overall by the Cowboys in 2023, but his NFL career has not matched the billing. Across three seasons with Dallas and New York, Smith has struggled to make much of an impact.
He was moved last season as part of the Quinnen Williams trade, then appeared in only eight games and finished with no sacks and three total tackles.
In 42 career games, including 17 starts in 2024, Smith has totaled 2.0 sacks, 57 tackles, seven tackles for loss and six quarterback hits.
For Miami, the move is a low-risk bet on a former first-rounder who is still just 25. He may wind up as nothing more than practice squad depth, but the Dolphins are giving him a chance to earn a bigger role if the opportunity opens up.
In Other News...
Cowboys May Have Found A Back Kansas City Let Slip Away
The Cowboys added a familiar name to their backfield by claiming running back Emari Demercado off waivers after Kansas City let him go. It is the kind of move that can fly under the radar, but it comes with a little more intrigue than most because Chiefs coach Andy Reid had praised Demercado, and some around the league believed his skill set could have fit well in Kansas Citys offense.
For Dallas, the appeal is obvious. Demercado is expected to step into a meaningful rotational role, giving the Cowboys a back who is known for pass protection and an efficient running style. In a backfield that always needs reliable pieces, the question now is not whether he has traits worth keeping, but how quickly he can carve out real snaps and prove Kansas City may have moved on a little too soon. [Read more 🡒]
Jason Witten Is Already Earning Serious Respect In His New Role
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Inside Oklahoma, Witten is already drawing praise from offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle and head coach Brent Venables, who have both noticed how quickly he has made himself useful. He has also been actively mentoring quarterback John Mateer, a sign that his value may extend beyond the tight end room as he settles into coaching. It is still early, but Wittens arrival has clearly made an impression, and the Sooners appear to be embracing the kind of knowledge and credibility he carried for years in Dallas. [Read more 🡒]
Cowboys Finally Sent A Message Fans Have Been Waiting For
The Cowboys moved quickly after trimming down to their initial 53-man roster, and the flurry of decisions gave fans a clearer picture of how the front office wants this team built. Dallas waived Joe Milton, claimed Emari Demarcado and also added Broderick Jones in a trade that sent out Nate Thomas, part of a busy stretch that underscored how aggressively the team has been trying to reshape the roster while still keeping an eye on future assets.
The Jones deal was especially notable because it included a draft-pick swap that stretches well beyond the immediate season, with Dallas getting Jones and a future fourth-rounder while giving up a future third and sixth that originally belonged to Pittsburgh. For a fan base that has spent plenty of time waiting for a stronger signal on how the Cowboys plan to balance present needs with draft capital, the latest moves offered one, even if the larger picture is still unfolding. [Read more 🡒]