Miami Dolphins Released Mazi Smith From Practice Squad

The Dolphins moved to clear roster space by releasing defensive tackle Mazi Smith.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Football

Expressive sports illustration of a Miami Dolphins practice player sprinting, rendered in bold brush strokes with turquoise and white team colors. — The Miami Dolphins have released defensive tackle Mazi Smith from their practice squad, replacing him with Jordan Jefferson in a roster move. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Miami Dolphins have released Mazi Smith from their practice squad. In a related roster move, the team signed Jordan Jefferson to replace him on the practice squad.

Why it matters

The decision to release Smith follows team roster adjustments as the Dolphins evaluate their current depth and practice squad personnel. This move separates the team from the 6'3'', 323-pound defensive player after a short stint on the roster.

Pro Football Focus ranked Smith 207th among 219 eligible defensive tackles in 2024 with a 34.7 overall grade. The former No. 26 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft has recorded 57 tackles and 2 sacks over 39 career games.

The players

Mazi Smith

He is a 6'3'', 323-pound defensive tackle who was a former first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Miami Dolphins

They are a professional football team based in Miami that competes in the NFL.

Jordan Jefferson

He is a football player who was signed by the Miami Dolphins to their practice squad.

Dallas Cowboys

They are a professional football organization that selected Smith in the 2023 draft and later traded him.

New York Jets

They are a professional football organization that released Smith in August 2026.

The details

Mazi Smith, a veteran of 39 games, was previously selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. The defensive tackle was later traded to the New York Jets in 2025 before being released by that organization in August 2026.

The Dallas Cowboys selected Mazi Smith in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Mazi Smith earned a 34.7 PFF grade during the 2024 season.
The Dallas Cowboys traded Mazi Smith to the New York Jets in 2025.
The New York Jets released Mazi Smith in August 2026.
The Miami Dolphins released Mazi Smith on October 13, 2026.

Season Trajectory

The release of a former first-round pick from a practice squad highlights the volatility of player evaluations across the league. This shift impacts the Dolphins' depth chart and defensive rotation as they navigate mid-season roster management.

The addition of Jordan Jefferson to the practice squad provides the team with immediate depth at the defensive position. This transaction does not affect the team's active 53-man roster but creates a vacancy and new personnel assignment within the developmental unit.

The takeaway

Roster fluidity is a constant aspect of the professional season for practice squad players. Teams frequently shuffle personnel to ensure they have the most effective depth available for training and potential call-ups.