After losing CB Artie Burns to a season-ending injury, the Dolphins signed Jack Jones & Mike Hilton on July 26. See how these moves reshape the secondary for 2024.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
One day you're mapping out your depth chart, the next you're re-shaping a position group entirely. That's the brutal reality of the NFL, and the Miami Dolphins faced it head-on Saturday. Following the devastating news that veteran corner Artie Burns suffered a season-ending ACL tear on the first day of camp, the front office wasted no time, making a double splash by signing free agent cornerbacks Jack Jones and Mike Hilton.
We remain confident in our cornerback group but are always looking to improve.
The optimism of training camp took a serious hit when Artie Burns went down with a season-ending ACL tear, a tough blow for a player looking to carve out a significant role. He was quickly placed on injured reserve. But instead of standing pat, Miami's management went on the offensive. The signings of Jones and Hilton, plus the addition of veteran Cornell Armstrong earlier in the week, signal a clear commitment to not just patching a hole, but fortifying the entire secondary. It's a testament to the team's aggressive, 'win-now' philosophy.
The marquee name in this flurry of moves is undoubtedly Jack Jones. The 27-year-old former Raiders and Patriots corner officially joins on a one-year 'prove-it' deal, and he has plenty to prove. After a stellar 2024 season in Las Vegas where he started 16 games and posted career highs with 69 tackles, 16 passes defended, and 3 interceptions, his release in April was a surprise. Now, he brings his playmaking ability to South Beach. With 7 career interceptions in just 42 games, Jones has a nose for the football that could make him a perfect complement to Jalen Ramsey.
While Jones grabs the headlines, the signing of veteran Mike Hilton shouldn't be overlooked. Adding two experienced corners in one day provides not just a potential new starter but crucial depth and intense competition. The AFC is loaded with high-powered passing attacks, and you can never have enough capable defensive backs. Hilton provides another steady presence in a cornerback room that now features a fascinating mix of star power, high-upside additions, and developing talent. This isn't just about replacing Burns; it's about upgrading the unit as a whole.
With the ink barely dry on their new contracts, all eyes now turn to the practice field. The battle to start opposite Jalen Ramsey just became one of the most compelling storylines of training camp. Can Jack Jones replicate his 2024 form and seize the job? Where do he and Mike Hilton fit in? The front office has done its part, aggressively addressing a sudden need. Now, it's up to the players to determine how this revamped secondary will look when the regular season kicks off.
