The Miami Dolphins’ roster depth has been questioned heading into 2026. That is no surprise to Miami’s decision-makers, as it was largely by design.
After Miami missed out on the postseason in back-to-back seasons, ownership decided to cut ties with general manager Chris Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel. They then replaced the pair with Jon-Eric Sullivan and Jeff Hafley, who were both members of the Green Bay Packers organization.
With the Dolphins, Sullivan and Hafley stated that they planned to introduce a draft-and-develop method. That led to a large roster turnover, and as the regular season nears, the team has not stopped making moves. Now, one of those players the Dolphins recently moved on from has joined an NFC contender.
Former Miami Dolphins Offensive Lineman Signs With 49ers
Aaron Wilson posted on X: “#49ers sign Kion Smith to one-year deal, waive Colton Dowell”
Smith was previously released by the Miami Dolphins on June 15. Regarding the 49ers signing the former Dolphins player, Dolphins Wire’s Mike Masala wrote: “In Miami, Smith bounced around between the practice squad and active roster, but he appeared in 23 total games and made two starts before the Dolphins released him this June. Now, he’ll have an opportunity to compete for a job in an injury-riddled 49ers offensive line room.”
After Smith’s release, the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson posted on X: “This new regime wanted a fresh look at more than a dozen of the Grier “acorn” pickups who had specific, attractive NFL skills. Smith, whom Grier raved about but never contributed in 5 PLUS years here, was one of them. He got a chance, struggled in OTAs (per the beat writers) & that was it.”
Both of Smith’s starts with the Dolphins came in the 2025 season. Smith served as Miami’s starting right guard once veteran guard James Daniels went down with an injury in the team’s regular season opener. However, Smith was then benched in favor of Cole Strange due to Smith’s disappointing performances.
Smith received a below-average 34.0 grade from Pro Football Focus last season.
Miami Dolphins Offensive Line Depth
Despite the Dolphins feeling like they saw enough of Smith, the team’s depth at the offensive line position still likely leaves a lot to be desired.
The Miami Herald’s Omar Kelly wrote during training camp of the team’s questionable offensive line depth: “Even though it’s difficult to evaluate trench play without pads, like most seasons the Dolphins have a lackluster level of depth on the offensive line. Backup tackles Charlie Heck and Marques Cox haven’t done well, and there’s a ton of mystery about Josh Priebe and D.J. Campbell, the top backup guards. At this point, if Miami needed to start a sixth offensive lineman that player would probably be backup center Andrew Meyers, and I’m not certain that’s a good thing.”
Whether the Dolphins could have used a player with Smith’s experience as a bench player remains to be seen. For now, the long-time Dolphins lineman will aim to earn a roster spot on the 49ers.
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