Overview
- The Miami Dolphins announced on Tuesday, October 13, that they released defensive tackle Mazi Smith from the practice squad and signed defensive lineman Jordan Jefferson.
- The roster update also included claiming wide receiver Jared Wayne off waivers from Houston and waiving wide receiver Ryan Miller as part of the same set of moves.
- Smith was the Cowboys’ No. 26 overall pick in the 2023 draft, was traded to the New York Jets in the 2025 deal for Quinnen Williams, and was cut by the Jets during final roster trims on Aug. 29 before signing with Miami’s practice squad on Sept. 1.
- On-field production never matched Smith’s college hype: Pro Football Focus gave him a 34.7 overall grade in 2024 and his NFL totals have been modest, with reports citing roughly two sacks and about 57 tackles over his career.
- Now a free agent at 25, Smith faces the reality of practice‑squad churn and reduced opportunities, and the release makes it more likely he will need to show short‑term improvement to earn another active roster spot.