Report: Miami Dolphins sign recently cut Indianapolis Colts defensive lineman to 2-year deal

The Miami Dolphins have reportedly signed former Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Jamal Woods to a two-year deal.

Woods, who went undrafted out of the University of Illinois, was signed by the Colts this offseason as an undrafted free agent. He ended up being cut by the team during training camp after spending OTAs and minicamp with Indianapolis.

Woods recently had a successful workout with the Dolphins, helping him land a contract with the team.

It’s interesting that Miami is giving Woods a two-year deal, as that may mean that the team expects him to make the final 53-man roster for the 2023 season.

The Dolphins have had some competition going on for depth behind Raekwon Davis at defensive tackle. Players like Da’Shawn Hand and Brandon Pili have been in the mix there.

Depending upon how the rest of Miami’s roster cuts shake out, one of those players may be let go to make room for Woods on the roster.

Woods, 24, played six seasons with Illinois before entering the NFL. He began his collegiate career back in 2017 and appeared in 49 games across six seasons.

With Illinois, Woods amassed 78 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and one forced fumble. He appeared in 11 games for the Fighting Illini last season, recording 11 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss.

It’s possible that Dolphins fans will get a look at Woods in the team’s final preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. It could be a tight turnaround for the defensive lineman since he just signed with the team, but it doesn’t sound like that’s going to stop him.

Miami is hoping that the roster it has put together for the 2023 season will be good enough to improve on last season’s 9-8 finish. The Dolphins made the playoffs in the 2022 campaign, but they were knocked out in the first round by the Buffalo Bills.

Woods, if he makes the final roster, could have an important depth role for the Dolphins in the 2023 season. The former undrafted free agent has a chance to make a name for himself and stick around in the NFL if he performs at a high level.