The UFL Threw Erik Ezukanma Back Into The NFL, But One Former Dolphin Is Getting Crickets

Alright, fam, the UFL season just wrapped, and you gotta hear about these two former Miami Dolphins draft picks trying to claw their way back to the big league. It's a real rollercoaster, with one dude landing on his feet and the other, well, let's just say his phone ain't ringing. Wide receiver Erik Ezukanma, after repping the DC Defenders, just inked a deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. Talk about a comeback! But cornerback Cam Smith, who played for the Columbus Aviators, is still stuck in limbo, without even a sniff of an NFL workout. Wild, right?

Ezukanma's Grind Pays Off For Philly

Ezukanma, a Dolphins' 2022 draft pick, didn't exactly light up the league back in Miami, appearing in only five games across three seasons. He got cut last summer, even spent time on the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad without ever hitting a regular season field in 2025. You'd think that's the end of the road, but nope. He balled out in the UFL, pulling in 15 catches in 10 regular season games for the DC Defenders. Plus, he showed off some serious versatility with nine rushing attempts for 75 yards! Even though former Dolphins wide receivers coach Wes Welker apparently had issues with Ezukanma picking up the offense, that kind of all-around play clearly caught the Eagles' eye. It's a classic example of a guy grinding it out and getting another shot, proving you c

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an always find a way if you really want it.

Cam Smith Is Still Waiting By The Phone Booth

Now, let's talk about Cam Smith, the former Dolphins' top pick in the 2023 draft, a second-rounder out of South Carolina. His UFL run with the Columbus Aviators was pretty tough, playing only six games and missing time with a leg injury. He didn't snag any interceptions and was credited with just two pass breakups. That's a rough stat line, especially when you're trying to get back to the NFL. His Dolphins tenure wasn't much better, with zero starts in 21 games over two seasons, plus dealing with injuries before they put him on the Reserve/Non-Football Illness list and eventually released him. He couldn't land with another team in 2025, even though he got a workout with the Kansas City Chiefs *after* they were knocked out of playoff contention. And get this: when the UFL announced its list of players getting NFL workouts this week, Smith's name was nowhere to be found. Ouch. So, what's next? NFL offseason programs are wrapping up, and it looks like Cam Smith is going to have to wait until training camp, hoping for a miracle to get another shot. Meanwhile, Erik Ezukanma is packing his bags for Philly, ready for a fresh start. It just shows you how thin the line is in this league between getting another chance and being left out in the cold. Keep your eyes peeled, 12s, because every snap, every catch, every move matters for these guys fighting for their dreams.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.