Full Breakdown
Dolphins Sign UFL Safety Major Burns, Release Kion Smith, Waive Carter Warren
6/16/2026, 1:33:02 AM
Core Event
The Dolphins announced Monday the signing of safety Major Burns from the UFL’s Houston Gamblers, the release of offensive lineman Kion Smith, and the waiver/injury designation of tackle Carter Warren.
Background & Context
The moves are part of a rebuild led by GM Jon-Eric Sullivan and coach Jeff Hafley. Miami is targeting low-cost, high-upside players, using the UFL after gaining cap space on June 1, and needed depth at safety.
Key Figures & Groups
Major Burns (24) – LSU safety, spent 2025 with the Bears, led the 2026 UFL with four interceptions.
Kion Smith – Fayetteville State lineman, 23 games, two starts for Miami;
Carter Warren (27) – 2023 fourth-round Jets pick, 14 games, six starts.
GM Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley oversee the roster.
Data & Statistics
Burns had 4 interceptions, 45 tackles and 8 passes defensed in nine UFL games; at LSU he logged 203 tackles, 2 interceptions and 11 tackles for loss in 39 games. Smith appeared in 23 games with two starts. Warren logged 14 games, six starts with the Jets.
Why It Matters / Impact
Burns adds a play-maker to a secondary that includes Dante Trader Jr., Lonnie Johnson Jr., Zayne Anderson, Michael Taaffe, Louis Moore and Omar Brown, and his UFL production suggests he could compete for a roster spot, aligning with the hidden-gem strategy. Releasing Smith clears a spot for younger linemen like rookie first-round pick Kadyn Proctor, while waiving Warren frees a roster spot for additional offensive-line depth.
Official Statements & Responses
The Dolphins’ official release called the moves routine roster adjustments before training camp. Coach Hafley said Smith had shown improvement in OTAs, indicating a performance-based decision.
Criticism & Opposition
Observers called Smith’s release “surprising” given his three-year tenure and versatility, warning that losing a known depth player could strain the line during the transition to younger starters.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Burns’ NFL background: most cite a 2025 stint with Chicago Bears, while one mentions a brief period with Atlanta Falcons and time on Miami’s roster. The team has not clarified his eligibility after Warren’s injury waiver.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Miami Dolphins announced today they have signed safety Major Burns, released guard/tackle Kion Smith and waived/injured tackle Carter Warren.” — Miami Dolphins, official statement
- “progress” — Jeff Hafley, head coach
- “The trend here is pretty clear: The Dolphins are going to keep taking shots with reclamation projects or unproven players instead of adding high-profile veterans with the salary cap space they got after June 1.” — Alain Poupart, publisher/editor, Miami Dolphins On SI
- “He has lived in South Florida since the 1980s.” — Alain Poupart, publisher/editor, Miami Dolphins On SI
What’s Next
Training camp remains more than six weeks away, and Burns will have a legitimate shot at earning a roster spot as the Dolphins continue their search for hidden gems.
