Dolphins Sign Former Patriots Tackle Yodny Cajuste: AFC East Shuffle Continues
So, here we go again—another ex-Patriot washing up on Miami’s shores. The Dolphins just snagged Yodny Cajuste, the big dude who once had Pats fans buzzing (or at least mildly optimistic) during the 2019 draft. If you’re Googling “Miami Dolphins sign former Patriots tackle Yodny Cajuste,” congrats, you’ve found your answer.
At 6’5” and 310 lbs, Cajuste is the kind of guy you want on your side if you’re ever in a bar fight—or, you know, trying to keep Tua upright. He’s got the size, the grit, and a resume that screams “I’ve been through it.” Injuries? Yeah, they hit him hard. But he’s still here, chasing that NFL dream like it owes him money.
Draft Hype, Reality Bites
Back in 2019, the Patriots grabbed Cajuste at No. 101, thinking they’d found themselves a future cornerstone. Didn’t exactly go as planned. The guy basically lived on injured reserve for two years. Not ideal. He finally got on the field in 2021, played in seven games (got to start a couple), and then got three more starts the next season. But as New England moved on, Cajuste was out by spring 2023. NFL’s a cold business, man.
Jet Lag and Giant Disappointments
After leaving Foxborough, Cajuste did the New York tour—Jets, then Giants. Blink and you’d miss it. Stints were so short you’d think he was just sightseeing. That 2018 Big 12 Co-Offensive Lineman of the Year trophy probably looked pretty lonely by then. But hey, Miami came calling. New gig, new shot.
And look, Cajuste’s got that West Virginia “I’ll run all day” stamina. Seriously, the guy survived those no-huddle Mountaineer offenses. He’s used to being gassed and still blocking. Miami’s all about speed and tempo these days, so maybe he finally fits.
Cajuste said it himself a while back: “There’s times where you run 14, 15-play drives at a time, so I feel like just having an opportunity to know that you’ve got to be in great shape to play offensive line prepared me a lot.” NFL shape is no joke.
Patriots South Beach Club
Cajuste isn’t alone down there. Miami’s pretty much become Patriots Lite. You’ve got Jack Jones, Pharaoh Brown, Jalen McKenzie, Mike Hilton, Jake Bailey, and Joe Cardona hanging around too. It’s like a Foxborough reunion, but with better weather and less chowder.
And oh, the schedule makers have jokes—Dolphins play the Patriots twice (Week 2 in Miami, Week 18 in Foxborough). Could get spicy, especially if playoff spots are on the line. You know Cajuste wants a little revenge.
Quick Hits: Yodny Cajuste
- 101st overall pick, 2019 draft (Patriots)
- Seventeen games, five starts in New England
- 2018 Big 12 Co-Offensive Lineman of the Year (he was a beast in college, no debate)
- Brief coffee breaks with the Jets and Giants before landing in Miami
FAQ: Miami Dolphins sign former Patriots tackle Yodny Cajuste
Q: When did Cajuste finally play in the NFL?
A: 2021. Dude had to wait two years on IR before suiting up.
Q: What teams has he bounced around with?
A: Patriots, Jets, Giants, now the Dolphins. The AFC East tour continues.
Q: How many starts?
A: Five total—two in ‘21, three in ‘22. Not a huge sample, but hey, he’s still kicking.
So, yeah, maybe not the flashiest move, but Cajuste’s got some fight left in him. And who knows? Maybe South Beach is where his luck finally turns around. Stranger things have happened.
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