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Dolphins Sign UFL Interception Leader Major Burns, Release Kion Smith

6/16/2026

Summary

Burns Joins Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins signed safety Major Burns on June 15, 2026.
Burns led the United Football League (UFL) with four interceptions and logged 45 tackles and eight passes defensed in nine games for the Houston Gamblers.
The Dolphins released offensive lineman Kion Smith, who played 23 games with two starts for Miami and spent 2021-2022 on the practice squad and 2024 on injured reserve, and waived/injured tackle Carter Warren.

Summary

Dolphins Roster Shuffle

Dolphins' fifth-round picks Dante Trader Jr. (cornerback) and Michael Taaffe (safety) are seen as realistic chances to make the 53-man roster.
Safety Lonnie Johnson Jr. signed a minimal-value free-agent deal and will vie with Burns for snaps.
Kadyn Proctor’s return and Austin Jackson’s comeback further squeeze Kion Smith’s chances.
The new coaching regime favors versatile linemen, prompting roster churn and leading analysts to say the Dolphins could pursue free-agent guards.

Summary

Dolphins Adjust Guard

GM Jon-Eric Sullivan and coach Jeff Hafley will start rookie Kadyn Proctor at left guard and move Jonah Savaiinaea to right guard.
Kion Smith was cut after OTA performance failed to meet the new staff’s standards.
The Dolphins used the United Football League pipeline to sign Major Burns, noting his All-UFL honors and league-leading interceptions.

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Burns Joins Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins signed safety Major Burns on June 15, 2026.
Burns led the United Football League (UFL) with four interceptions and logged 45 tackles and eight passes defensed in nine games for the Houston Gamblers.
The Dolphins released offensive lineman Kion Smith, who played 23 games with two starts for Miami and spent 2021-2022 on the practice squad and 2024 on injured reserve, and waived/injured tackle Carter Warren.

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