Tag: Adam Butler

5 defensive tackles Chargers could consider signing

A look at five defensive tackles the Chargers should consider amid season-ending injuries to Christian Covington and Otito Ogbonnia.

The Chargers are down to three defensive tackles on the active roster following the season-ending injuries to Austin Johnson and, most recently, Christian Covington and Otito Ogbonnia.

Head coach Brandon Staley confirmed Monday that the team will promote Joe Gaziano from the practice squad and add two more players to fill the position group.

Tyeler Davison was signed off the Browns’ practice squad on Tuesday morning, which means they could look to sign one more.

Who else could Los Angeles add to the room?

Let’s take a look at five interior defenders that would make sense.

Mike McDaniel explains the release of DT Adam Butler

He played a career-high 53% of snaps in 2021.

The Miami Dolphins released defensive tackle Adam Butler earlier in the week with a failed physical designation. He didn’t step on the field during training camp, but he wasn’t placed on either the physically unable to perform list or the non-football injury list prior to the start.

On Friday, head coach Mike McDaniel spoke to the media and was asked about Butler’s release, including why he wasn’t placed on a list, and if he felt good with the group of guys that they had at the position.

“Absolutely he’s a useful piece,” McDaniel said. “It takes a village in an NFL organization, and I don’t fancy myself as a CBA expert. Luckily, I have CBA experts down the hall as a resource. Certain things within the injury really kinda forced the hand in that direction, and yes, we are very confident in a lot of the young players that we’re developing and very confident in that room in general.”

What should also be noted is that the Dolphins saved $4.15 million in cap space that they can now use to sign free agents, extend their own players or carry over to 2023.

Last year, Butler’s only season with Miami, he played a career-high 53 of the team’s defensive snaps. However, he also set career-lows in tackles (17) and sacks (two).

The Dolphins have a number of players who can play on the interior of the defensive line, including Christian Wilkins, Zach Sieler, Raekwon Davis, John Jenkins, Benito Jones and undrafted rookie Ben Stille.

Sieler, Jenkins and Stille had pretty solid days at practice on Friday, highlighting McDaniel’s belief in the group.

[listicle id=451767]

Dolphins cut DT Adam Butler after failed physical

He had been sidelined during camp.

The Miami Dolphins have been making transactions non-stop this offseason, and that isn’t stopping this week.

On Tuesday, the Miami Dolphins announced that they cut defensive tackle Adam Butler with a failed physical designation. The former Commodore had been sidelined during training camp with an undisclosed injury.

The Dolphins signed Butler last offseason to a two-year deal after four seasons with the New England Patriots. In his one year with Miami, he tied his career low in tackles (17) and sacks (two).

With his release, the Dolphins save $4.15 million in cap space and take on no dead cap hit.

Interior defensive line could end up being a rather deep position for Miami despite Butler’s release, as they currently have Christian Wilkins, Zach Sieler, Raekwon Davis, John Jenkins, Benito Jones and Ben Stille have all shared time inside.

[listicle id=451644]

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbwhebtqp7ahdjt player_id=none image=https://dolphinswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

Mike McDaniel provides injury updates on two Dolphins

One player was seen in a walking boot this week.

The Miami Dolphins entered training camp with a few players dealing with injuries that everyone was aware of, as Byron Jones was placed on the PUP list, and Elijah Campbell was placed on the NFI list before camp even started.

Then, there were veterans who were working back from things but would be limited participants like left tackle Terron Armstead and running back Raheem Mostert.

However, there hadn’t been an update on defensive tackle Adam Butler, who hadn’t been practicing, or center Michael Deiter, who was seen in a walking boot this week.

Before Saturday’s camp session, McDaniel provided a bit of an update on Butler and Deiter’s statuses.

Butler “is dealing with a slight injury that he’s trying to work through,” McDaniel said. He also added that Deiter had “a little foot deal first or second day of practice. We’re waiting through weekend to learn more.”

More information will likely come the next time McDaniel speaks to the media next week.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbwhebtqp7ahdjt player_id=none image=https://dolphinswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

[listicle id=451477]

Dolphins CB and DL ratings in Madden NFL 23

Fans are not going to be happy.

With the end of another NFL offseason insight, football fans are eagerly awaiting the release of the newest installment of the Madden video game series, Madden 23.

After the release of wide receiver/tight end ratings on Monday, linebacker/defensive end ratings on Tuesday and running back and safety ratings on Wednesday, EA Sports, the publishers of the game, released defensive line and cornerback ratings on Thursday. While these may be some of the team’s best position groups that the Dolphins have, the grades were a bit underwhelming for their top players.

Here’s a look at most of Miami’s defensive line and cornerback ratings for launch and how they compare to other players at the same position:

  • Xavien Howard – 89 overall (t-No. 10 CB)
  • Byron Jones – 87 overall (t-No. 13 CB)
  • Christian Wilkins – 78 overall (t-No. 17 RE)
  • Nik Needham – 75 overall (t-No. 74 CB)
  • Zach Sieler – 73 overall (t-No. 34 LE)
  • Keion Crossen – 72 overall (t-No. 105 CB)
  • Noah Igbinoghene – 72 overall (t-No. 105 CB)
  • John Jenkins – 71 overall (t-No. 46 DT)
  • Raekwon Davis – 71 overall (t-No. 46 DT)
  • Adm Butler – 69 overall (t-No. 58 DT)
  • Trill Williams – 62 overall (t-No. 245 CB)
  • Elijah Campbell – 60 overall (t-No. 269 CB)
  • Benito Jones – 59 overall (t-No. 128 DT)

Howard and Wilkins’ ratings are unexplainably low. There’s no way someone could look around the league and find that many players at the position better than those two.

The same could be said for Sieler, but everyone knows he doesn’t get the respect he deserves, so it’s expected.

EA Sports has some work to do.

[listicle id=451268]

Here are ratings for Dolphins EDGE and LBs in Madden 23

The highest-ranked Dolphin at these positions might be a bit surprising.

With the end of another NFL offseason insight, football fans are eagerly awaiting the release of the newest installment of the Madden video game series, Madden 23.

After the release of wide receiver and tight end ratings on Monday, EA Sports, the publishers of the game, released EDGE defender and linebacker ratings on Tuesday. The Dolphins have a top 10 linebacker and a top 10 defensive end, according to Madden.

Here’s a look at most of Miami’s EDGE defenders and linebacker ratings for launch and how they compare to other players at the same position

  • Melvin Ingram – 84 overall (No. 9 LOLB)
  • Emmanuel Ogbah – 83 overall (No. 7 LE)
  • Jerome Baker – 79 overall (No. 18 MLB)
  • Andrew Van Ginkel – 77 overall (t-No. 15 LOLB)
  • Jaelan Phillips – 76 overall (t-No. 20 ROLB)
  • Brennan Scarlett – 71 overall (t-No. 26 LOLB)
  • Elandon Roberts – 70 overall (t-No. 53 MLB)
  • Sam Eguavoen – 70 overall (t-No. 39 ROLB)
  • Adam Butler – 69 overall (t-No. 33 RE)
  • Channing Tindall – 68 overall (t-No. 67 MLB)
  • Duke Riley – 66 overall (t-No. 84 MLB)
  • Porter Gustin – 65 overall (t-No. 58 ROLB)
  • Cameron Goode – 63 overall (t-No. 71 LOLB)
  • Darius Hodge – 61 overall (t-No. 83 ROLB)
  • Calvin Munson – 59 overall (t-No. 130 MLB)

There will be more ratings coming out before the game’s release on August 19.

[listicle id=451221]

2022 Dolphins position preview: Breaking down DLs ahead of camp

There probably won’t be too many changes this year.

Entering the first training camp under head coach Mike McDaniel, the Miami Dolphins don’t have Brian Flores to rely on for their defense.

Flores, with his defensive background, was given a ton of credit for the team’s success defensively, but without him, they’ll turn to defensive coordinator Josh Boyer, who is returning despite the change at head coach. Most of the same players on defense are also returning for 2022 and are ready to compete for their roles.

We’ve talked about quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends and the offensive line, but now, we’re jumping over to the other side of the ball and breaking down the defensive lineman.

Dolphins have a number of unsung heroes in all three phases

The fanbase should be showing more love to these guys.

Every football team needs a few stars in order to be legitimate contenders in the NFL. However, sometimes it’s the role players and unsung heroes sprinkled across rosters that could be the difference between playoff contention and Super Bowl contention.

Football is the quintessential team game, with three phases needed for success. The Miami Dolphins have several players scattered across the offense, defense and special teams who may not have their names mentioned as much as others, yet their value is immeasurable for team success.

Let’s start with a player who’s silently become one of the league’s most underrated and consistent defensive linemen. Zach Sieler, who was picked up on waivers in 2019 after a year in Baltimore, has fit in nicely in a defensive line rotation and even earned himself a payday from the Dolphins in 2020 with a three-year extension. Sieler played in all 17 games in 2021 and had 62 total tackles. He added a pair of sacks, recovered two fumbles and forced one while being the consummate run-stuffer.

Sieler was PFF’s 2021 highest-graded Miami Dolphins player at 84.8

Moving over to offense, the Dolphins are two years removed from having the franchise’s most prolific season at the tight end position ever, thanks to the output from Mike Gesicki, Adam Shaheen and Durham Smythe combining for 91 receptions, 1,061 yards, and 11 touchdowns in 2020.

Last season, Smythe played in every game and had career highs in catches, yards, and first downs. He wasn’t able to find the endzone, but that’s not something Smythe cares too much about. Recently re-signed during this off-season, Smythe is extremely valuable as he proved last season with his constant reliability. When thrown to in 2021, quarterbacks had a quarterback rating of 92.8%, and Smythe caught 82.9% of his targets. He reeled in 34 receptions last season, and 15 went for first downs.

Finally, we look at special teams. This slot was ready for Mack Hollins, but the gunner extraordinaire/wide receiver will be playing for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022. However, a current captain leads the Dolphins’ special teams unit, and, in his upcoming third season in Miami, Clayton Fejedelem is a safe bet to retain the “C” on his jersey.

A team-appointed captain for his tenure in Miami thus far, Fejedelem was in on 85% of the Dolphins’ special teams snaps in 2021. He was among the team leaders in special teams tackles last season and should continue his leadership role in 2022.

Miami does have other role-players of heavy value, including depth defensive lineman, Adam Butler, who played admirably filling in for the injured Raekwon Davis early in the season. Butler had an excellent second half of the year, gathering a pair of sacks and three passes defended after Week 8.

Let’s also not forget versatile offensive lineman, Michael Deiter, who was praised by the Dolphins brass at the recent league meetings. The Wisconsin product can play any position on the line and showed promise at center before an injury limited to just eight games in 2021. If not center, Deiter will be a factor in camp battles on the right side at guard or even tackle.

Honorable mentions go to re-signed linebackers Duke Riley and Elandon Roberts, who are high-motor, energetic veterans who tend to make momentum-building plays. Roberts has a knack for noisy hits, and Riley plays two phases of the game and was among the team leaders in special team tackles last season.

[listicle id=448908]

Grading the Miami Dolphins defensive linemen after their 2021 season

The big guys did their jobs.

The Miami Dolphins didn’t make the jump that many thought they could in 2021, as they ended the year with a 9-8 record and just outside the postseason.

During this time, it’s appropriate to reflect on the performances of the guys who impacted the outcomes on the field.

We’ll be going through different position groups over the next week or so and reviewing how they played in 2021. After starting with the rookies, quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, and offensive linemen, we’ll start the defense with the big men up front. These are the grades for the Dolphins defensive linemen during this campaign.

Brandon Jones and Adam Butler cleared COVID protocols, can play vs. Titans

Both players can play today.

The Miami Dolphins got some good news Sunday morning in preparation for their Week 17 matchup with the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium.

Safety Brandon Jones and defensive tackle Adam Butler have cleared COVID-19 protocols and are eligible to play on Sunday, as the Sun Sentinel’s David Furones first reported.

Jones and Butler were removed from the reserve/COVID list on Saturday afternoon before the 4 p.m. deadline, but they still had to clear protocols on Sunday in order to return to the team.

Neither player had a chance to practice this week, but they’ve been in the team’s virtual meetings, so they should be familiar enough with the game plan to get opportunities this week. This will be a big help, as Jones and Butler have played some significant roles for the Dolphins this season.

[vertical-gallery id=443212]