Dolphins Navigate Roster Changes and QB Concerns Ahead of Season
WHO:
miamidolphins.com - Major Burns transferred to LSU from Georgia following the 2020 season.
miamidolphins.com - Kion Smith earned first-team All-CIAA honors in 2019.
miamidolphins.com - The Miami Dolphins, Major Burns, Kion Smith, Carter Warren, Malik Willis, Arch Manning.
WHAT:
Heavy NFL - The Miami Dolphins signed several veterans to minimum contracts and selected three receivers in the 2026 NFL Draft to address the departures of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.
Heavy NFL - Malik Willis has not been officially named the team's starter, but his three-year contract worth $67 million, with $45 million guaranteed, likely ensures he will be Miami's starter in Week 1 of the regular season.
miamidolphins.com - Major Burns recorded 203 tackles (98 solo), 2.5 sacks, 11.0 tackles for loss, two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), 11 passes defensed, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries during his college career at LSU.
miamidolphins.com - The Miami Dolphins signed safety Major Burns, released guard/tackle Kion Smith, and waived/injured tackle Carter Warren.
miamidolphins.com - Major Burns recorded 45 tackles (10 solo), four interceptions, and eight passes defensed in nine games during the 2026 UFL season.
miamidolphins.com - Kion Smith has played in 23 career games with two starts at right guard for the Dolphins.
miamidolphins.com - Carter Warren has appeared in 14 career games with six starts in two seasons with the New York Jets.
Heavy NFL - The Dolphins are seen as a contender for the No. 1 pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.
Heavy NFL - Malik Willis signed a three-year contract worth $67 million, with $45 million guaranteed.
WHERE:
miamidolphins.com - Carter Warren played collegiately at Pittsburgh (2017-22), where he appeared in 40 career games with 39 starts.
miamidolphins.com - The Miami Dolphins are based in Miami, Florida.
miamidolphins.com - Major Burns played for the Houston Gamblers of the United Football League.
miamidolphins.com - Kion Smith entered the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons and played for the Dolphins.
miamidolphins.com - Carter Warren was drafted by the New York Jets and played collegiately at Pittsburgh.
WHEN:
miamidolphins.com - Major Burns played collegiately at LSU from 2021 to 2024.
miamidolphins.com - Kion Smith was a three-year starter at Fayetteville State from 2016 to 2019.
miamidolphins.com - Carter Warren was drafted in the 2023 NFL Draft.
WHY:
Heavy NFL - The Dolphins are in Year 1 of a rebuild, prompting speculation about their draft strategy.
HOW:
miamidolphins.com - Kion Smith has spent two seasons on Miami's practice squad (2021-22) and the 2024 season on injured reserve.
miamidolphins.com - Major Burns entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent and spent part of the offseason with the Chicago Bears before joining the UFL.
miamidolphins.com - Kion Smith entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2021 and has spent time on the Dolphins' practice squad and injured reserve.
miamidolphins.com - Carter Warren was a fourth-round selection (120th overall) in the 2023 NFL Draft.
The Miami Dolphins have made significant moves by signing several veterans to minimum contracts and drafting three receivers in the 2026 NFL Draft, aiming to fill the gaps left by Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. While Malik Willis has not been officially named the starting quarterback, his three-year contract worth $67 million, with $45 million guaranteed, strongly suggests he will take the helm in Week 1 of the regular season. These decisions mark a pivotal moment for the Dolphins as they prepare for the upcoming season.