Dolphins Training Camp Preview: DT Brandon Pili

Pili one of many to battle this training camp for his position as a starter.
Aug 19, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce (31) rushes against Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Brandon Pili (96) in the first quarter at NRG Stadium.
Aug 19, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce (31) rushes against Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Brandon Pili (96) in the first quarter at NRG Stadium. / Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
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The Miami Dolphins took a chance last spring on undrafted free agent Brandon Pili. The defensive tackle from USC was one of multiple UDFAs to begin the season on Miami’s active roster, and he saw action in four games.

Waived and then placed on the practice squad in November, Pili was signed to a reserve/future contract in January 2024. He looks to be on a long list of training camp contenders within the defensive line for depth chart positioning.

  • Height: 6-3
  • Weight: 319 lbs.
  • Exp.: 2 Years
  • School: USA
  • How Acquired: Signed as an undrafted free agent, 2023

2023 In Review

Pili played a month’s worth of games as a rookie before a few weeks of inactivity, then ultimately a demotion to the practice squad. During the Dolphin’s opening four games last season, Pili played a reserve role on the defensive line’s interior, seeing just 30 snaps and 21 on special teams.

In his limited action, he was able to see a bit more time in Miami’s 70-20 blowout win over the Denver Broncos. Pili played in 23% of the team’s defensive snaps, recording only two tackles on the season during the Week 3 home opener.

Contract/Cap Info

The Dolphins and Pili agreed to a two-year, $2.08 million contract, including an average annual salary of $1.04 million.

In 2024, Pili will earn a base salary of $915,000, while carrying a cap hit of $915,000 (per spotrac.com).

2024 Preview

Pili has plenty of competition this summer, including free agent signees Teair Tart, Isaiah Mack, Benito Jones, and Jonathan Harris.

Da’Shawn Hand returns to Miami and the Dolphins will also have 2024 undrafted free agents Mario Kendricks and Leonard Payne battling Pili and company.

Veteran defensive line de-facto leader, Zach Sieler, is the elder statement with Christian Wilkins now in Las Vegas with the Raiders. Miami also added 16-year veteran Calais Campbell to the line.

New defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver’s system deploys a rotation of interior linemen, so Pili could have a fighting chance to not only make the team but stay on it through the season.

He will certainly have his work cut out for him, and it will be interesting to see him compete with free agents Tart and Jones especially.

PREVIOUSLY IN THIS SERIES

-- Dolphins Training Camp Preview: LB Jaelan Phillips

-- Dolphins Training Camp Preview: CB Nik Needham

-- Dolphins Training Camp Preview: CB Siran Neal

-- Dolphins Training Camp Preview: RB Raheem Mostert

-- Dolphins Training Camp Preview: RB De'Von Achane

-- Dolphins Training Camp Preview: RB Salvon Ahmed

-- Dolphins Training Camp Preview: T Terron Armstead

-- Dolphins Training Camp Preview: LB Shaquil Barrett

-- Dolphins Training Camp Preview: WR Odell Beckham Jr.

-- Dolphins Training Camp Preview: WR Braxton Berrios

-- Dolphins Training Camp Preview: CB Ethan Bonner

-- Dolphins Training Camp Preview: OL Aaron Brewer

-- Dolphins Training Camp Preview: RB Chris Brooks

-- Dolphins Training Camp Preview: LB Jordyn Brooks

-- Dolphins Training Camp Preview: DB Elijah Campbell

-- Dolphins Training Camp Preview: OLB Bradley Chubb

-- Dolphins Training Camp Preview: TE Tanner Conner

-- Dolphins Training Camp Preview: OL Lester Cotton

-- Dolphins Training Camp Preview: WR River Cracraft

-- Dolphins Training Camp Preview: OL Jack Driscoll

-- Dolphins Training Camp Preview: OL Liam Eichenberg

-- Dolphins Training Camp Preview: WR Erik Ezukanma

-- Dolphins Training Camp Preview: TE Jody Fortson

-- Dolphins Training Camp Preview: CB Kendall Fuller

-- Dolphins Training Camp Preview: DT Neville Gallimore

-- Dolphins Training Camp Preview: DT Da'Shawn Hand

-- Dolphins Training Camp Preview: DT Jonathan Harris

-- Dolphins Training Camp Preview: TE Julian Hill

-- Dolphins Training Camp Preview: S Jevon Holland

-- Dolphins Training Camp Preview: FB Alec Ingold

-- Dolphins Training Camp Preview: T Austin Jackson

-- Dolphins Training Camp Preview: DT Benito Jones

-- Dolphins Training Camp Preview: OL Robert Jones

-- Dolphins Training Camp Preview: CB Kader Kohou

-- Dolphins Training Camp Preview: T Kendall Lamm

-- Dolphins Training Camp Preview: LB David Long Jr.


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