Erik Ezukanma's 15 UFL Catches Snagged an NFL Deal, But Cam Smith Still Can't Get a Workout
Alright, you guys, buckle up! We all know how brutal it is trying to make it in the NFL, and we just got a fresh dose of that reality. Two former Dolphins draft picks, Erik Ezukanma and Cam Smith, just wrapped up their seasons in the UFL, and the results for their NFL comeback dreams are totally opposite. Ezukanma, a wide receiver, actually signed with the Philadelphia Eagles this week after his stint with the DC Defenders! But get this, cornerback Cam Smith, who played for the Columbus Aviators, hasn't even sniffed an NFL workout. Talk about a gut punch!
Ezukanma's Second Chance: Is Versatility the Key?
So, let's talk about Ezukanma first. He was the Dolphins' second pick back in the 2022 draft, and honestly, his time in Miami was a bit of a blur, appearing in only five games over three seasons. He got cut last summer, ended up on the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad, but never played a regular season game in 2025. This dude went to the UFL, playing for the DC Defenders, and apparently, that's what he needed. He caught 15 passes in 10 regular season games and even had nine rushing attempts for 75 yards. That kind of versatility used to make him an intriguing prospect for the Dolphins, even if his former wide receivers coach, Wes Welker, had concerns about him picking up the offense. Now, he's got a shot with the Eagles. It shows you, sometimes a change of scenery and some real playing time is all a guy needs to prove himself all over again.
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Cam Smith's Frustrating Wait Continues
On the flip side, man, you gotta feel for Cam Smith. This guy was the Dolphins' top pick in the 2023 draft, a second-round selection out of South Carolina. He played 21 games for Miami in 2023 and 2024, but guess how many starts? Zero. He was constantly battling injuries, too, before eventually landing on the Reserve/Non-Football Illness list and getting released last summer. In the UFL, playing for Columbus, he appeared in six games, didn't record an interception, and was credited with just two pass breakups. He even missed time with a leg injury there. He couldn't land with another team in 2025, even after a workout with the Kansas City Chiefs post-playoffs. And now, the UFL announced a whole list of players getting NFL workouts after the Louisville Kings beat Ezukanma's Defenders for the title, and Smith's name was nowhere on it. Like, nowhere! NFL offseason programs are wrapping up, and it looks like our man Smith is gonna have to wait for training camp just to get another shot. Brutal, absolutely brutal.
The Long Road Back to Sundays
This whole situation with Ezukanma finding a new NFL home and Smith still fighting for a workout just underscores how incredibly tough it is to stay in the league, let alone claw your way back. Every single player, especially those on the bubble, are fighting for their careers every day. It’s a testament to the grind, whether you're a young guy on the Seahawks trying to impress Mike Macdonald or a veteran trying to keep your spot. You just gotta keep pushing, keep grinding, and hope that opportunity comes your way. For Smith, it’s a waiting game now, but you know the drive to play on Sundays doesn't just fade away. We’ll be watching to see if he can catch a break, but man, what a rollercoaster for these two.
This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.