Cam Smith eyes NFL resurgence with Chiefs after Miami stint
Former Miami Dolphins second-round pick Cam Smith has largely been off the radar this football season, but his journey back to the NFL may be gaining momentum. After being waived off the Reserve/Non-Football Illness list on September 30, Smith received a much-anticipated opportunity this week when the Kansas City Chiefs invited him for a tryout.
This chance comes on the heels of a disappointing season for the Chiefs, who were recently eliminated from playoff contention, snapping their streak of seven consecutive appearances in the AFC Championship Game. On the Monday following their playoff exit, the Chiefs held tryouts for ten young players, among them Smith and rookie free agent cornerback B.J. Adams, both of whom had spent time in Dolphins training camp earlier this year.
Smith’s quiet season after Dolphins draft
Smith’s absence from the NFL transaction wire this season is notable, especially for a player selected in the second round just two years ago. Drafted by the Dolphins in 2023, Smith struggled to find his footing in Miami. The Dolphins, in need of cornerback depth following the trade of Jalen Ramsey, the release of Kendall Fuller, and injuries to players like Kader Kohou and Artie Burns, ultimately decided to move on from him.
His time with Miami was marred by questions regarding professionalism and commitment, with assistant coaches voicing concerns over his work ethic and physical conditioning. Injuries also played a role in his struggles, as Smith faced a hamstring setback early in training camp. However, he managed to make a comeback, showcasing his abilities in the later stages of the preseason.
Despite a solid performance late in camp, it surprised many when Miami placed him on the Non-Football Injury list during their roster cuts. Former general manager Chris Grier acknowledged Smith’s potential, stating, “Cam had some of his best ball the past two weeks. He’s been really good, so we’ll see what happens. We’ll work through it and then we’ll see what happens down the road.”
Drafting decisions and future prospects
The Dolphins’ decision to draft Smith was particularly painful given their limited resources in the 2023 draft, where they had only four picks. With such few selections, the stakes were high, and the risk of missing on a second-round pick loomed large. The Dolphins could have opted for a range of other impactful players, including Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet, Los Angeles Chargers edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu, fellow cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, or Buffalo Bills starting guard O’Cyrus Torrence.
Now, as Smith seeks to revitalize his career, the focus shifts to whether he can seize this opportunity with the Chiefs. The tryout represents a crucial step in his journey, offering a glimmer of hope for a fresh start in the NFL. As the league continues to unfold, all eyes will be on Smith to see if he can harness this chance to reignite his professional aspirations.
