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Dolphins Add UFL Standout Defender in Latest Roster Move
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- Dolphins Add UFL Standout Defender in Latest Roster Move
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
The Miami Dolphins are not resting on their laurels when it comes to the draft picks or free agent players they added during the start of the free agency period in 2026. Following the addition of former first-round pick wide receiver Jalen Reagor , the team is bringing in another player on the opposite side of the ball.
Per James Larsen , the Dolphins are set to sign Houston Gamblers safety, Major Burns . Burns picked up four interceptions in the UFL in 2026, which led the league and resulted in his receiving All-UFL honors.
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Burns played for Georgia in 2020, followed by transferring to LSU, where he spent the bulk of his collegiate career from 2021 to 2024. During his time with the Tigers, the defensive back secured 208 tackles, 2.5 sacks, nine passes defended, and two interceptions through four seasons.
Following his time at LSU, Burns would go undrafted, leading to a stint with the Chicago Bears in 2025. Unfortunately, he would suffer a knee injury in preseason, leading to being released with an injury settlement.
In March, Burns was signed by the Gamblers. In nine games, he secured 45 tackles, four interceptions, and eight pass breakups.
Why Dolphins Signed Burns
The theme of the Dolphins in 2026 has been all about finding a ton of reclamation projects to see if any can become full-fledged starters in the NFL. Instead of betting big on free agents that could fetch the same results, general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan continues to rely on low-cost options.
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An even bigger reason for Burns being brought in has to do with the secondary being one of the major question marks for the Miami defense.
Despite Dante Trader Jr. impressing during OTAs and minicamp, there is no guarantee he makes the leap. Lonnie Johnson Jr. has also been a journeyman safety, so adding some depth and competition never hurts.
Storm Duck and Darrell Baker Jr. are also nursing injuries, with Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley indicating they are moving along a bit slower than he had hoped.
While there is a sizable gap between now and training camp, more players are being added to bring forth the competition aspect of the team's overhaul that both Sullivan and Hafley have been preaching since they took over their respective positions.
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Burns may or may not work out, as is the case for many players on the current Dolphins roster. That is the case for every team, as roster cuts do not happen until the end of August.
Currently, Miami is searching for the best possible players to allow the team to be competitive in its first year of this reset, rebuild, or whatever terms the team will coin for the 2026 season.
Further Roster Updates
To make room for Burns, the Dolphins have also released Kion Smith and waived Carter Warren .
