The Miami Dolphins’ defensive line position took a massive hit in free agency, losing two of their top three starters. Christian Wilkins signed with the Las Vegas Raiders, while Raekwon Davis signed with the Indianapolis Colts. The Dolphins signed a few defensive tackles, including one from the AFC South.
The Miami Dolphins signed a defensive tackle with 36 career starts
The Dolphins signed Teair Tart to a one-year contract in April.
Tart spent the first three and a half years with the Titans, playing 45 games with 36 starts. They released him in December because of concerns about his efforts. He spent the rest of last season with the Texans, playing two games.
Tart spent the offseason competing for the starting defensive tackle job. They had him listed as the second-stringer in their first unofficial depth chart. He will no longer compete for a starting spot.
The Miami Dolphins parted ways with their free-agent acquisition
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Dolphins released Teair Tart.
Dolphins are releasing veteran defensive tackle Teair Tart.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 13, 2024
Many reporters speculate that the Dolphins parted ways with Tart because they were concerned about his effort. Defensive line coach Austin Clark sounded the alarm two weeks ago about his performance.
“He has some power to his game. That’s definitely the thing that Teair has, I think for him [It’s] consistency. … Let’s eliminate the flash plays, and let’s be consistent in both the run game and the pass game, and that’s what we’re focused on. So, I think it’s early, but he’s done an OK job so far.”
Who is leading the competition?
Benito Jones is currently leading the competition for the starting defensive tackle job. Jones has received first-team reps with the first-team defense, and they had him listed as the starter in their depth chart. He looks to line up alongside Zach Sieler and Calais Campbell in the starting rotation.
Jones enters his fifth year in the league. He spent the first two seasons of his career bouncing around with the Dolphins’ practice squad and active roster, playing six games in 2020. He spent the last two seasons with the Lions, playing 34 games, including 15 starts in 2023.
Other competing players include Neville Gallimore, Brandon Pili, Da’Shawn Hand, and Leonard Payne.
