The start of the 2022 NFL league year is just over two weeks away, meaning the beginning of free agency is right around the corner. The Miami Dolphins, along with every other team in the league, have started laying the groundwork for what they’d like to do.
There are 28 players that are expected to become unrestricted, restricted or exclusive-rights free agents that were on the Dolphins roster last year, including tight end Durham Smythe.
Miami originally drafted Smythe in the fourth round of the 2018 draft out of Notre Dame. Coming out of college, he was labeled as a run-blocker without much upside in the receiving game, but in recent years, he’s bringing more in that aspect.
This past season, Smythe, as the team’s second tight end behind Mike Gesicki, recorded a career-high 34 receptions for 357 yards.
Going into 2022, Smythe is set to become an unrestricted free agent, and the Dolphins only have Adam Shaheen, Cethan Carter, Hunter Long, and John Lovett under contract. This should show everyone that there’s a serious need for help at the position.
Smythe hasn’t exactly lived up to the blocking tight end moniker, but he can hold his own. That may make him a better scheme fit for Mike McDaniel’s offense than Gesicki, who is also a free agent this offseason.
The Dolphins drafted Long in last year’s draft seemingly in preparation for the two tight ends hitting the market this offseason. However, he could provide some of that versatility that Smythe brought.
When you look at the solid tight end options in free agency this year, it wouldn’t be too surprising to see the Dolphins move on from Smythe and find someone who can do just a bit more to fill those roles.
