15 Catches and 75 Rushing Yards: That's All It Took To Get Erik Ezukanma Back In The NFL, But Cam Smith Still Can't Get A Call
Alright, 12s, the NFL hustle is real! We just saw some wild, mixed results for two former Miami Dolphins draft picks trying to claw back into the big league after their UFL seasons. Wide receiver Erik Ezukanma, who played for the DC Defenders, just signed with the Philadelphia Eagles for a new NFL shot! But cornerback Cam Smith, from the Columbus Aviators, is still waiting for even a single NFL workout. Talk about a brutal contrast!
Ezukanma's Path Back: A Glimmer of Hope from the UFL
Ezukanma, a Dolphins' 2022 second-round pick, saw limited action with Miami, just five games in three seasons, before getting cut and landing on the Jaguars' practice squad last summer. He never even played a 2025 regular season NFL game. His UFL stint was make-or-break, especially since only one other Dolphins 2022 draft pick, Cameron Goode, remains on their roster.
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With the DC Defenders, Ezukanma snagged 15 passes in 10 games, plus nine rushing attempts for 75 yards. That versatility was always intriguing, though former Dolphins coach Wes Welker did point out issues with him picking up the offense. Still, 15 catches and 75 rushing yards? It was apparently enough for the Eagles to give him another shot. Gotta love that grit, taking the long road back!
Cam Smith's Cold Shoulder: Is the NFL Done With Him?
Then there’s Cam Smith, a tough story. The Dolphins' top pick in 2023, a second-rounder, he played 21 games for Miami with zero starts across 2023-2024. Injuries plagued him, leading to him being placed on the Reserve/Non-Football Illness list last summer and eventually released. He couldn't land with an NFL team in 2025, even after a workout with the Kansas City Chiefs post-playoffs. What a brutal break.
His UFL season with the Columbus Aviators wasn't much better: six games, zero interceptions, and only two pass breakups. He missed time with a leg injury. And the real gut punch? When the UFL announced its players getting NFL workouts after the Louisville Kings beat Ezukanma's DC Defenders for the title, Smith's name was notably absent. With NFL offseason programs wrapping up, it looks like he’ll have to wait until training camp for any shot. Brutal reality, Emerald City.
What's Next For These UFL Grinders?
This whole situation is a stark reminder of how thin the margin is in the NFL. For Ezukanma, it’s a fresh start, a chance to prove his worth in Philly. For Cam Smith, it’s a gut-wrenching wait. His window is getting tighter, and every day that passes without a call makes that road back to the NFL look even steeper. We'll be watching to see if he can somehow pull off a miracle come training camp, because in this league, nothing is guaranteed.
This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.