Dolphins Trade for Former 3rd-Round Tackle

Dolphins Trade for Former 3rd-Round Tackle

The Miami Dolphins have traded for Patriots offensive lineman Caedan Wallace. He was scheduled to be put on waivers, but before the transaction could be finalized, the Dolphins swooped in with an offer for the former Patriots draft pick. It is a 2028 6th-round selection in exchange for Wallace and a 2029 7th-round selection.

It has been a tough go for Caedan Wallace, as he has gone through regime changes and below-average play. The Penn State starter was selected in the 3rd round with pick 68 of the 2024 NFL Draft. He started 40 games as the right tackle for Penn State across his 5 seasons there. As a redshirt senior, he allowed only 1 sack and started every game. His performance was enough to get him invited to the NFL Combine.

Wallace’s movement skills were impressive that day and further solidified his stock as a valuable piece in the offensive line class. Though it seemed high, Wallace’s selection in the 3rd round didn’t totally shock everyone. The Patriots were desperate to find an offensive lineman who can protect and develop alongside franchise hopeful Drake Maye.

Unfortunately, that 2024 draft class was abysmal for many reasons, and Drake Maye is ultimately the only remaining player on the Patriots from a draft that happened just 2 years ago.

Wallace has appeared in 10 games across two seasons in New England, logging 2 starts. Both starts came in his rookie season. In his appearances, Wallace was unable to pass block at a high level, resulting in multiple pressures being allowed and 4 penalties being called against him.

The story was different in the run game, though, as Wallace was able to get to the ground quickly on defense and secure the block in man or zone coverage. This wasn’t enough to keep him in the starting lineup, and he was later injured and placed on injured reserve. He was not able to crack the starting lineup in 2025 either, after the addition of Will Campbell and Morgan Moses. Wallace was a backup or healthy scratch for 2025.

He was the odd man out in New England, the last remaining strand of the old regime (outside of star quarterback Drake Maye). The Patriots announced he would be released, but before filing official transaction records, fielded calls for trades. Miami wanted Wallace and offered a late pick swap to obtain him.

Wallace joins the line as a versatile guard or tackle, which the team clearly values. Proctor, Jackson, Salyer, and Savaiineaia are all tackle/guard versatile. Austin Jackson and Jamaree Salyer are also currently dealing with minor injuries, so Wallace has a shot at securing his spot on the roster this preseason. He will also be competing with free agent additions Charlie Heck and Gottlieb Ayedze.