Miami Dolphins lose Artie Burns for the 2025 season (ACL), but sign Jack Jones. This move heats up the CB competition opposite Jalen Ramsey in training camp.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The optimism of the first week of training camp was met with a dose of harsh reality on Tuesday, as the Dolphins' secondary was hit with a major blow. Veteran cornerback Artie Burns is confirmed to be out for the 2025 season after suffering a torn ACL, a tough loss for the team's depth. However, the front office moved swiftly, bringing in former Raiders corner Jack Jones to compete for a spot in a suddenly crucial position battle.
Rookie running back Jaylen Wright averaged a staggering 7.4 yards per carry in his final season at Tennessee.
Losing a veteran presence like Artie Burns is never easy, especially so early in camp. His injury immediately tests the depth of the cornerback room. In response, the Dolphins signed the talented but controversial Jack Jones. While Head Coach Mike McDaniel stated he's 'comfortable' with the current group, the addition of Jones signals the team is aggressively seeking solutions. Jones brings ball-hawking skills but also baggage, making the cornerback battle opposite Jalen Ramsey one of the most compelling storylines to watch moving forward.
While the secondary deals with a shake-up, the youth movement is in full effect elsewhere. First-round pick Chop Robinson has been a nightmare for the offensive line, consistently showcasing the explosive first step that made him a top prospect. He's not alone; fellow rookie Patrick Paul, a mountain of a man at offensive tackle, is turning heads with his athleticism. Even rookie QB Quinn Ewers is reportedly looking sharp, while veteran linebacker Willie Gay has brought a new level of energy and experience to the middle of the defense. These early standouts are proving the front office's draft and free agency strategies are already paying dividends.
Amidst the daily camp battles, the Dolphins made a significant move to solidify their future. The team officially exercised the fifth-year options for star receiver Jaylen Waddle and elite pass rusher Jaelan Phillips, locking them both in through the 2025 season. This sends a clear message: the Dolphins are committed to their homegrown cornerstones. It's a sentiment echoed by players like Zach Sieler and Austin Jackson, who have praised the organization's commitment to continuity and building a sustainable winner.
The 2025 draft class wasn't just about filling needs; it was about adding specific traits. Running back Jaylen Wright's electrifying speed is already evident, and his 7.4 yards-per-carry average at Tennessee has fans dreaming of another home-run threat in the backfield. On the other side of the ball, the aforementioned Patrick Paul brings sheer size and power to the offensive line, giving the Dolphins a different dimension in pass protection and the run game. This infusion of speed and size is designed to make an already explosive offense even more difficult to defend.
The first week of camp has been a whirlwind of highs and lows. The loss of Burns is a significant test for the defense, but the immediate signing of Jones and the emergence of young talent across the roster show a proactive and resilient front office. With Waddle and Phillips secured for the future, the focus now shifts to the intense position battles that will shape the final 53-man roster. The next few weeks will be critical in determining if this team has the depth and star power to make a deep playoff run.
