Miami Waived Two Linemen, and Their Only Proven Tackle Backup Is a SCARY Thought

Holy smokes, you guys see what just went down in Miami? The Dolphins made some wild moves on Monday, officially cutting offensive linemen Kion Smith and Carter Warren. They’re GONE, and this isn't some minor tweak, man. While we're out here in the Emerald City, always watching, it's worth a peek at what's shaking up the league. These moves leave Miami's offensive line in a super shaky spot, especially when you look at who’s left to protect the QB. You gotta wonder what their plan is, seriously.

What Went Wrong With Smith and Warren?

Let's break down these departures. Kion Smith was with the Dolphins since 2021, mostly practice squad. He played 23 games with two starts last year at right guard, filling in after James Daniels' injury. But Smith got pulled from the lineup by Week 3 against Buffalo, playing only nine offensive snaps over the final 14 games, mostly special teams. He missed all of 2024 with a torn ACL, and during spring practices, he really struggled with pass protection. So, his cut wasn't a total shocker. Carter Warren’s situation is even more mysterious: he wasn't spotted at all during open practices due to an undisclosed issue. So, a guy who couldn't practice, and another who struggled hard in drills. Not exactly ideal, right?

Miami's Offensive Line: Now What?

So, with Smith and Warren out, where does that leave the Dolphins? They're down to just eight players listed as tackles or guard/tackles. That’s not a lot of breathing room, raising serious questions about how they're gonna handle backup roles. Their projected starting offensive line looks like Patrick Paul and Austin Jackson at tackle, first-round pick Kadyn Proctor and Jonah Savaiinaea at guard, and newly extended Aaron Brewer at center. That's a ton of pressure on those guys.

The remaining depth guys are veteran newcomers Jamaree Salyer and Charlie Heck, alongside some seriously young players: Josh Priebe, Marques Cox, and Kevin Cline. Here’s the kicker: Priebe, Cox, and Cline have ZERO NFL regular season experience. Zero! That means Salyer and Heck are the only solid backup options at tackle if Proctor stays at left guard. And to complicate things, Salyer could even start at right guard if the Dolphins decide this summer that Savaiinaea isn't the answer. If that happens, Heck becomes the only proven option. Man, talk about rolling the dice. Our 12s know the pain of O-line struggles, and this just feels like a recipe for trouble down in Miami.

This is a situation that’ll be interesting to watch as summer rolls on. How will they fill those critical backup tackle spots? Will Savaiinaea prove himself, or will Salyer be forced into a starting role? The Dolphins have big questions to answer, and fast, before the season kicks off. Good luck to them, they’re gonna need it!

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