Dolphins Could Be Eyeing Standout Bears DB After Joint Practices

When the Chicago Bears and Miami Dolphins wrapped up their joint practices and preseason matchup this past weekend, one player seemed to stand out a tad more than most.

Bears cornerback Terell Smith made life frustrating for Miami’s offense, playing tight coverage and making plays in practice and during the first preseason game, which ended in a 24-24 tie.

Longtime Bears insider and Chicago Tribune veteran reporter Brad Biggs suggested that Miami might be keeping an eye on Smith, planting the seeds for a potential trade scenario before the 2025 season kicks off.

“No player has boosted his stock more since Friday than cornerback Terell Smith,” Biggs wrote on August 11.

“Smith was the best player on the practice fields Friday behind the Walter Payton Center. He had four pass deflections, nearly picked off one pass and was a constant headache for Dolphins backup quarterback Zach Wilson. It got me thinking a little bit. One hidden benefit of a joint practice is it gives each front office a clear look at the roster and depth chart of the team it’s working with that day.”

Brad Biggs: Miami Dolphins Could Be Keeping Close Eye on Chicago Bears CB Terell Smith

GettyCould the Miami Dolphins be interested in trading for CB Terell Smith?

 

Biggs recounted a specific example of joint practices leading to players signing with the team they’re practicing against.

“The Bears claimed nickel cornerback Cre’Von LeBlanc off waivers from the New England Patriots after the roster cutdown in 2016. LeBlanc had caught their eye during joint practices with the Patriots in Foxborough, Mass., and he was a solid depth player for the Bears and Philadelphia Eagles before injuries derailed him,” Biggs noted, adding:

“Could the Dolphins be keeping close tabs on Smith? It would be a smart move, especially considering cornerback is an iffy position for them right now after offseason moves and injuries.”

The Bears selected Smith in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and by the end of his rookie year, Smith had proven himself as a dependable depth piece in the secondary, netting 49 tackles, six pass deflections, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

In Year 2, he logged his first career interception, playing in 14 games (two starts).

Why Miami Would Make Sense for Smith

For the Dolphins, adding a player like Smith would be a great addition to their secondary. After parting ways with Jalen Ramsey in the offseason, adding depth at outside corner is something Miami needs to do. Smith is a young, ascending player who can step in immediately on defense and special teams. His physicality also has to be attractive to Miami.

Joint practices often double as scouting opportunities, and Smith may have given Miami exactly what they needed to see. His ability to disrupt the timing of routes, contest 50/50 balls and match receivers stride-for-stride stood out. For a Dolphins team in need of CB depth, adding a player with Smith’s skill set could be a forward-thinking move.

From Chicago’s perspective, cornerback is one of the more loaded position groups on the roster, and the Bears did add rookie Zah Frazier in the draft this year. That depth could make Smith expendable for the right return. For Miami, he’s a cost-controlled option with starting potential—and as Biggs pointed out, the kind of player you just might remember after seeing him up close.

It’ll be interesting to see if anything comes of it.