Cornerback Cam Smith’s time with the Miami Dolphins has come to an end, waived by the team Tuesday.
Smith was a second-round pick of Miami in 2023 but never materialized as the long-term solution the Dolphins hoped for to lead the secondary beyond the tenures of veterans Jalen Ramsey and Xavien Howard at the position that season.
It was expected Smith wouldn’t make the team during roster cuts in late August, but while not earning a spot on the active roster, Smith was placed on the non-football illness list for undisclosed reasons.
Four weeks into the regular season, the South Carolina product was cut.
Smith was a surprise selection in the second round of the 2023 draft, as the Dolphins brought him on board despite trading for Ramsey, former Los Angeles Rams star cornerback to pair him with their own former All-Pro Howard.
Nonetheless, Smith was expected to take a developmental year behind Ramsey, Howard and other veterans on the 2023 roster. While contributing consistently on special teams, he only played 20 defensive snaps as a rookie.
Smith was then expected to take a leap in Year 2, but a preseason hamstring injury hampered his progress. He eventually played six games, but a shoulder injury ensued to put him back on injured reserve.
Smith again missed valuable time during training camp and the preseason this year, and coach Mike McDaniel expressed some frustration over his lack of availability.
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It was evident he wouldn’t make the Dolphins’ roster, even with a need for cornerbacks to rise to starting contributions, but his placement on the NFI list extended his time with the organization.
The Dolphins currently have Jack Jones and Rasul Douglas starting at cornerback, with Storm Duck missing the past three games and rookie Jason Marshall Jr. on IR.
They also have Ethan Bonner and JuJu Brents as cornerbacks on the active roster, and Isaiah Johnson on the practice squad.
