BREAKING: Dolphins to Part Ways with TE Durham Smythe, According to Ian Rapoport, Freeing Up $2.2M in Cap Space
The Miami Dolphins are making a significant move as they continue to adjust their roster for the upcoming NFL season. According to a report from NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Dolphins are parting ways with tight end Durham Smythe. This move comes as the team seeks to free up valuable cap space to make other roster moves and enhance their chances of success in the near future.
The Decision to Move On
Durham Smythe’s departure marks the end of his tenure with the Dolphins, a period that lasted since he was drafted by the team in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. While Smythe may not have been a headline name in Miami’s offense, his consistent presence as a reliable blocking tight end provided stability for the Dolphins. His ability to contribute both in the passing game and in the run-blocking schemes made him an important part of the team’s offensive system, even though his role was often more understated compared to other prominent tight ends around the league.
Over the years, Smythe built a reputation as a solid, dependable player, particularly as a run-blocker. However, the NFL is a league that constantly evolves, and teams must make tough decisions to balance both their financial resources and their roster needs. In this case, the Dolphins have decided that parting ways with Smythe will help them with their financial flexibility moving forward, especially with the $2.2 million in cap space this move will generate.
Cap Space and Financial Flexibility
The $2.2 million in cap space created by Smythe’s release is a crucial figure for the Dolphins, who are expected to be active in the free-agent market and possibly make a few more roster adjustments before the start of the next season. In today’s NFL, cap space is a precious resource, and the Dolphins are positioning themselves to make moves that could bolster their roster, particularly in areas of need.
While the Dolphins’ offense has been competitive, they have areas they still need to address, particularly along the offensive line and in the receiving corps. By freeing up cap space, Miami is setting itself up to sign key free agents, extend current players, or potentially trade for a player who could add immediate value. The release of Smythe could be just the first of several roster moves aimed at making the Dolphins more competitive in the upcoming season, as the front office looks to balance the team’s financial future with on-field success.
Durham Smythe’s Role with the Dolphins
Durham Smythe was never expected to be a star in Miami, but he fulfilled a vital role. In 2023, he appeared in 16 games and started in 12 of them, tallying 15 receptions for 202 yards and one touchdown. While those numbers are modest for a tight end, Smythe was never counted on to be a primary target in the Dolphins’ high-octane offense, which leaned heavily on wide receivers such as Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Smythe’s contributions were primarily in the blocking game, where his efforts helped create lanes for the Dolphins’ running backs and provided protection for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
In the NFL, a good blocking tight end can be just as valuable as a receiving threat, and Smythe certainly provided that. His blocking skills, particularly on the edge, were a key part of the Dolphins’ running attack. His departure, however, may leave a void in that aspect of the game unless the team finds a replacement who can do the same job or better.
With the Dolphins likely to focus more on their passing game, particularly with their high-powered offense under head coach Mike McDaniel, the team may be looking for a more versatile tight end, one who can contribute both as a blocker and as a target in the passing game. This could lead the Dolphins to target other tight ends in the draft or free agency to replace Smythe’s production.
The Dolphins’ Tight End Position Going Forward
With Smythe’s release, the Dolphins will now have to look to their other tight ends to fill the void. Currently, the Dolphins roster includes players like Tyler Kroft, who has been primarily a backup during his NFL career but has the potential to step into a larger role. There is also Hunter Long, who has been a project for the team and has yet to fully develop into a key contributor. The Dolphins could also target tight ends in the upcoming draft to add more depth to the position, depending on how the front office evaluates talent at that spot.
Miami’s offense, built around the skill sets of Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, and Jaylen Waddle, doesn’t necessarily need a high-profile tight end, but a balanced, multi-dimensional player at the position could be the missing piece to help the offense reach new heights. A more dynamic, receiving-focused tight end could provide a safety valve for Tagovailoa, helping him extend drives and add variety to the offense.
The Road Ahead for Smythe
For Durham Smythe, this release marks the next chapter in his NFL career. While his time in Miami comes to an end, Smythe is likely to have opportunities elsewhere in the league. His skill set as a reliable blocker and occasional pass catcher makes him an attractive option for teams that are looking to enhance their offensive lines and boost their running games. Smythe may not be a star tight end, but his experience and skill set could land him a role with a team that values his contributions in the trenches.
Conclusion
The Dolphins’ decision to part ways with Durham Smythe and clear $2.2 million in cap space is a strategic move aimed at improving the team’s financial flexibility. While Smythe’s impact on the field was notable, particularly as a blocker, the Dolphins are prioritizing future roster moves, and this release could be just the beginning of further adjustments. As the team looks to make a run in the highly competitive AFC, these financial decisions will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the roster and ensuring that the Dolphins r
emain contenders for years to come.