Chubb arrived in Miami amid high expectations, especially after signing a three-year, $54.5 million extension. However, he missed the entire 2024 season with a serious ACL tear and is now carrying a $12 million cap hit for 2025. With emerging edge talents like Jaelan Phillips and Chop Robinson vying for snaps, the Dolphins may decide that youth wins this battle if Chubb can’t regain his prior explosiveness .
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2. Liam Eichenberg – Versatility May Not Save Him
Drafted in the 2nd round in 2021, Eichenberg has been a swing tackle/guard option. But last season he allowed 29 quarterback pressures—an alarming figure that earned him only a 53.1 rating from PFF. Re‑signed for one year, he now battles rookie Jonah Savaiinaea and veteran James Daniels. With fresh blood and higher upside, Eichenberg may need a standout camp to secure even a backup role .
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3. Cam Smith – Former 2nd‑Rounder in Jeopardy
Once a promising prospect, Smith has stalled in his development. He’s been limited to special‑teams and occasional backup play over two injury‑hampered seasons. The secondary has since grown crowded, with reinforcements like Artie Burns and freshly drafted rookies. If Smith doesn’t make a significant leap during camp, he could be the cut that surprises many .
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🧭 Team Context: Youth Movement & Cap Clarity
The Dolphins are clearly pivoting to younger, more cost-effective players. With Terron Armstead retired and veterans like Jalen Ramsey likely gone, Miami embraced a youth overhaul during the offseason . That mindset extends into the minicamp decisions, where health, affordability, and upside currently outweigh past reputation.
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💡 What Comes Next
Training Camp Heat: Mini‑camp set the stage, but the real show begins in July. These players will now compete under pads and scrimmages—Chubb for burst, Eichenberg for consistency, and Smith for production.
Cap‑Driven Decisions: Miami needs roster spots and budget room to navigate the season. Contracts that don’t align with potential may be trimmed quickly.
Opportunity for Reinforcements: If one of these three stumbles, Miami could pivot toward undrafted gems or mid-season free-agents to fill the void.
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Bottom line: Miami’s clear message is competition. Chubb, Eichenberg, and Smith each have strengths—past performance, positional versatility, draft pedigree—but all must prove they’re still worth retaining in a roster now built around youth, affordability, and upside. If any starts slow in camp, don’t be surprised to see Miami make swift moves.
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