Report: Cam Smith started preparing for 2024 season less than 24 hours after Dolphins flew home from playoff loss

After the Miami Dolphins lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in last season’s playoff matchup, Cam Smith immediately went to work in preparation for the next campaign.

“It hadn’t been 24 hours since the Miami Dolphins’ charter flight had returned from Kansas City following their wild card playoff loss to the Chiefs before Cam Smith was back to working out with an eye on the 2024 season,” wrote Andre Fernandez of the Miami Herald.

Smith did so despite being advised to take some time off.

“I remember guys were like, ‘Chill, let your body rest a little,'” Smith said.

The University of South Carolina product seemingly got enough rest in the 2023 season, having been relegated to a reserve role for Miami behind players like Jalen Ramsey, Xavien Howard, Kader Kohou and Eli Apple. He finished the regular season with zero starts and two combined tackles.

It’s unclear if he wholeheartedly accepted his minor role with the squad after being Miami’s earliest pick in the 2023 draft. But if his telling post after the Dolphins parted ways with former defensive coordinator Vic Fangio was any indication, Smith is probably eager to start anew with Anthony Weaver, Fangio’s successor.

Another possible pathway to Smith earning more run opened up after a veteran starter’s exit from the team. After eight years with the franchise that selected him in the second round of the 2016 draft, Howard was released by Miami earlier this year and already shut down the idea of a potential return.

Of course, the Dolphins’ offseason moves do not assure Smith of a starting spot once the 2024 regular season commences. A potential hindrance also emerged when the front office signed veteran cornerback Kendall Fuller to a two-year deal in March.

Still, Smith has a chance to earn the trust of the coaching staff, especially after bulking up and adding 15 pounds to the 180-pound frame he sported during his rookie campaign.

Only time will tell if the 23-year-old cornerback can help improve Miami’s defense. But the Dolphins definitely have to level up in that department because they ranked 22nd in average points allowed last season.

If it can maintain its lethal offense while offering more resistance on the other end of the field, Miami can likely return to the playoffs in the 2024 season and possibly even advance further.