The Miami Dolphins have added another piece to their offensive line mix, acquiring Caedan Wallace from the New England Patriots in a trade that swapped future late-round picks. Miami had been prepared to waive Wallace, but instead turned him into a potential answer at one of the most important backup spots on the roster.
That role is likely to be swing tackle, and Wallace has the kind of background that makes him a fit for it. He’s played both tackle and guard, though tackle was his main spot in college. At 6-foot-5 and 314 pounds, he also knows exactly what he wants his game to look like.
"Knock people down," said Wallace, who is 6-foot-5, 314 pounds. "Move people off the ball, knock people down."
Wallace, 26, arrived in Miami after two seasons in New England, where he was a third-round pick in 2024. He has appeared in 10 games with two starts, and the Dolphins are counting on him to give them depth behind Austin Jackson, who has dealt with injuries during his career. Wallace can also play left tackle or either guard, which gives Miami options if the line gets shuffled.
His first camp practice with the Dolphins came at a joint session against the Commanders in Washington, D.C., and Wallace said it went well.
"Being back at tackle for the first time in a year and a half, I did pretty good," said Wallace, who had been moved to guard by the Patriots. "Stayed off my (butt) and put some people on theirs, so not too bad."
That move back to tackle may matter. Wallace was a right tackle in college, and there’s been some belief in New England that the repeated position changes slowed his progress. He also dealt with an ankle injury as a rookie and then fell behind others last season.
Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley said general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan had a strong evaluation of Wallace before the draft.
"With the talent that he has and the versatility that he has, you know, we're hoping that a fresh start will help him and he'll come in and compete," Hafley said.
Wallace sounded ready for exactly that. After being told he was being released, he said he drove to see family before getting the call that changed his day.
"I got 'released' at like 8 o'clock in the morning and decided to drive and go see my family," Wallace said. "So I was in a car when I got the call, and it was just a whirlwind.
Like, it was a really cool experience. ... Just excited to get out here and work, learn the playbook, and get after it."
The Dolphins should give him plenty of preseason work, starting Friday, Aug. 14 at Washington. For now, Wallace is focused on fitting in, bringing the kind of edge Miami wants up front, and doing whatever job the team asks.
"Honestly, just physicality," Wallace said. "Getting after it on the line of scrimmage.
And at other positions too. Just it seems like a team of grinders, people that want to work."
He may have smiled at the memory of Penn State battles with teammate-turned-opponent Chop Robinson, but Wallace made one thing clear: he’s ready for the next reps, wherever they come.
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