Dolphins Training Camp Preview: DT Teair Tart

Tart is up to the challenge in a defensive tackle-rich Dolphins training camp.

Jason Sarney | Jul 19, 2024

Sep 17, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Teair Tart (93) walks the sideline during the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers at Nissan Stadium. / Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

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Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins lost defensive tackle Christian Wilkins in the offseason to the Las Vegas Raiders, and in comes Teair Tart. One of several free agents brought in this offseason, Tart will compete with nearly a half dozen other interior linemen in training camp.

After being undrafted in 2020, he spent three seasons with the Tennessee Titans. In 2023, he began the season with Tennessee, but after being waived, the Houston Texans claimed him; Tart played in two games with them last season.

In his career, Tart has 79 tackles in his 47 games played. He has added 14 quarterback hits, 2.5 sacks, 16 tackles for loss, and seven passes defended.

Height: 6-2
Weight: 304 lbs.
Exp.: 5 Years
School: Florida International
How Acquired: Signed as an unrestricted free agent (from Houston), 2024

2023 In Review

Last season, Tart started with the Titans, playing in 11 games and starting nine. Before being waived, Tart tallied 21 tackles for Tennessee, eight for loss, with one sack and four quarterback hits.

After being claimed by the Texans in December and debuted for them in Week 16 in a loss against the Cleveland Browns. He finished his 2023 Texans campaign with three tackles in just two games and 29 total defensive snaps.

Contract/Cap Info

Tart and the Miami Dolphins agreed to a one-year contract with an average annual salary of $1.29 million, including a $167,500 signing bonus with $567,500 guaranteed.

His base salary in 2024 will be $1.12 million, with a cap hit of $1.15 million and a dead cap value of $567,500 (per sportrac.com).

2024 Preview

Tart has several linemen to fight off this summer, including Jonathan Harris, Isaiah Mack, Benito Jones, and Neville Gallimore. Additionally, 16-year veteran and former Miami Hurricane’s defensive end Calais Campbell should be an immediate contributor on the line along with Zach Sieler.

The third man will be intriguing this training camp for defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver and the Dolphins. Tart is more of a nose tackle, so that sub-position could help separate him from other defensive tackles looking for more than a roster spot.

Da’Shawn Hand and Brandon Pili return for Miami, and undrafted rookie free agents Mario Kendricks and Leonard Payne are competing.

Weaver is prone to rotating several defensive tackles in his schemes. So, while a crowded room is heading into camp, the battle with Tart and those other linemen not named Sieler or Campbell could be the camp’s battleground position to watch.