The Miami Dolphins are rolling the dice on a former New England Patriots starter, as they’ve reportedly signed defensive lineman Byron Cowart to their practice squad.
Congratulations to client @ByronCowart1 on signing with the @MiamiDolphins
— JL Sports (@JLSports3) September 19, 2023
This will be a practice squad move, per source. Another experienced DT in the building if needed. https://t.co/vTiAxDRmLs
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) September 19, 2023
There’s no guarantee that Cowart will see playing time for the Dolphins this season, but he’s going to get a chance to prove his worth to the organization, an opportunity he’s undoubtedly excited about after entering the season as a free agent.
Cowart, a former No. 1 recruit out of high school, was drafted in the fifth round in 2019 after a unique college career.
Over his first three seasons in college, he struggled to make an impact at Auburn University while getting inconsistent playing time. For his final season, however, he transferred to the University of Maryland, where he racked up 38 total tackles, three sacks, five tackles for loss, two interceptions and a forced fumble.
His solid season at Maryland helped him recoup some of his stock, opening the door for New England to scoop him up around the middle of the draft.
As a rookie in the NFL, he saw limited action. In his second season, he found himself starting 14 games, during which he had 27 total tackles, one sack, three tackles for loss and three quarterback hits.
After missing the 2021 season due to injury and being waived by New England, Cowart found himself with the Indianapolis Colts last season, where he appeared in 17 games as a revere.
His deal with the Dolphins doesn’t come with a lot of risk for the franchise, so the move makes a lot of sense for Miami. Cowart now gets to join a winning culture and organization that has legitimate championship aspirations this season.
The Dolphins, 2-0, are preparing for their Week 3 game against the winless Denver Broncos. Cowart’s new team leads the AFC East and is the only undefeated team in the division. An AFC East crown this season would be Miami’s first since the 2008 season, so that would be a meaningful box to check.
But the group also has bigger goals in mind, and Cowart would certainly love nothing more than to have a hand in getting the Dolphins where they want to go.
