The Miami Dolphins needed to free up salary cap space, making Durham Smythe one of their first roster cuts. Now, he has found a new team.
It was widely expected that the former Dolphins tight end wouldn’t remain a free agent for long. Just over a week after his release, Smythe has become the first ex-Miami player to sign elsewhere, officially ending any speculation about a potential return on a reduced contract.
According to multiple reports on Thursday, the Chicago Bears have signed Smythe to a one-year deal.
Smythe spent his entire career with the Dolphins until 2025. He was one of two tight ends selected by Miami in the 2018 draft, with Mike Gesicki taken in the second round and Smythe in the fourth.
In Chicago, Smythe will reunite with new Bears head coach Ben Johnson, who was Miami’s wide receivers coach in 2018 during Smythe’s rookie season. Though their interactions may have been limited, Johnson spent a total of seven seasons with the Dolphins before moving on.
Miami is expected to lose several players when free agency opens next week. Safety Jevon Holland will likely be among the first to sign elsewhere when the legal tampering period begins Monday.
Smythe wrapped up his Dolphins tenure with 123 receptions and three touchdowns. Primarily known for his blocking, he will provide Chicago with additional support on the offensive line. His signing follows the Bears’ recent trade for standout guard Joe Thuney and the addition of another guard released by the Chargers.
Meanwhile, Dolphins fans can only watch as Chicago strengthens a position group Miami has been eager to improve.
Free agency officially begins on Wednesday, March 12, though teams can begin negotiating with players’ agents on Monday. With Smythe gone, the Dolphins now have a vacancy at tight end, but they are expected to target a replacement in the draft rather than through free agency.
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