Dolphins 90 in 90: Matthew Butler provides defensive line options

June 16, 2026 - 01:54

Butler entered the league as a fifth-round pick by the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022 out of Tennessee. He spent his rookie season bouncing between the active roster and the practice squad before the Raiders waived him in 2023. After a brief stint with the San Francisco 49ers, he landed in Miami and has been grinding ever since. At 6-foot-4 and 295 pounds, he has the size to play both nose tackle and three-technique, but he has yet to translate that potential into consistent NFL production.

The Dolphins defensive line depth chart is not doing him any favors. With veterans like Zach Sieler and Calais Campbell anchoring the unit, plus younger players like Brandon Pili and Da'Shawn Hand competing for snaps, Butler is facing a numbers game. Miami typically keeps four or five defensive tackles on the active roster, and Butler is likely on the outside looking in unless he shows something special in preseason action.

Special teams could be his ticket. If Butler proves he can contribute on kick coverage or field goal blocks, the coaching staff might value that versatility enough to keep him around. Otherwise, he is looking at another year on the practice squad or a potential release. For a player entering his fourth NFL season, the window to make a lasting impression is narrowing.