As per 3DownNaion:
The Miami Dolphins waived Canadian offensive lineman Kevin Cline on Saturday as part of their final roster cuts.
The six-foot-seven, 320-pound blocker must now clear waivers, where he could be claimed by any other NFL team. If he goes unselected, he will become a free agent and will then be eligible to be added to a practice roster if an opportunity arises.
Cline was signed as an undrafted free agent after spending six collegiate seasons at Boston College, making 14 starts over 44 games. He was the team's full-time starter at right tackle in 2025, allowing 22 quarterback pressures and five sacks, according to Pro Football Focus.
Wouldn't surprise me if he got another quick look from somewhere else but it's a good sign in terms of getting him here more quickly.
He may still end up on Dolphins practice squad. He was coached in college for 3 years by their assistant O-line coach. Doesn't mean its guaranteed, but it helps.
OL finally looking like a unit. With the help of some good blocking from BO20 and MCI, and Daniels. Where would Cline fit in right now.
Every NFL team has their own players they'll want to add to their PR's. It's possible a few released players get picked up but that tends to more veteran players wanted as depth needs.
I think the question is whether he wants to wait for injuries to happen and a chance later. Hopefully he chooses to come to the CFL in the next week.
Did he get much or any playing time in pre-season?
Quote from: Pigskin on August 29, 2026, 06:12:06 PMOL finally looking like a unit. With the help of some good blocking from BO20 and MCI, and Daniels. Where would Cline fit in right now.
I'd put him in Eli's spot. We've seen Eli's upside over 3 years, he's never going to start at RT, and he's not currently starting at C, so....
Now we gotta see what the Lions do with Giovanni Manu once he's back healthy.
Lots of people saying they'll just release him. He's only 25 but has a couple million in the bank so the question is whether he'd want to come play in the CFL and, if so, if he's healthy and good enough to play here.
Optimistically Cline and Manu could both be in camp next year which would, on paper anyway, look really good.
Quote from: VictorRomano on August 29, 2026, 06:16:04 PMI'd put him in Eli's spot. We've seen Eli's upside over 3 years, he's never going to start at RT, and he's not currently starting at C, so....
More likely a replacement for Vibert if he comes this season, Eli still has a place on the team that they value highly. From the highlights of last night it appears he was used often in max. protection.
Fantastic news
Quote from: Pigskin on August 29, 2026, 06:12:06 PMWhere would Cline fit in right now.
If he's a natural tackle then he becomes tackle. Stan sits. Broxton moves to whatever side Cline is worst at. Problem solved.
If you instead want the long dev path, then put him on the long dev path, which usually means PR for a year. Also, no law says we can't dress 2 spare OL like we used to.
Quote from: Tecno on August 29, 2026, 09:53:14 PMIf he's a natural tackle then he becomes tackle. Stan sits. Broxton moves to whatever side Cline is worst at. Problem solved.
If you instead want the long dev path, then put him on the long dev path, which usually means PR for a year. Also, no law says we can't dress 2 spare OL like we used to.
If he signs the usual 3 year deal, he uses up year 1 with a late arrival. That would have been the development year in a more significant way of the process. In that sense it's almost better if he doesn't come north until next TC.
If he shows up this year, depending on our standing situation, he might get on the AR and see some game reps.
Potential as an OT would be an exciting possibility but we often see a conversion to OG.
Quote from: Blue In BC on August 29, 2026, 10:31:59 PMIf he signs the usual 3 year deal, he uses up year 1 with a late arrival. That would have been the development year in a more significant way of the process. In that sense it's almost better if he doesn't come north until next TC.
If he shows up this year, depending on our standing situation, he might get on the AR and see some game reps.
Potential as an OT would be an exciting possibility but we often see a conversion to OG.
If he shows up this year there's a possibility he might be starting next year in place of Stan if he impresses the coaching staff, hard to see them moving away from Neufeld, Wallace or Elsbury next season, so not a lot of opportunity elsewhere unless injury.
This has to be Stanley's last year, and could very well be Neufelds.
I have no issue getting a couple oline with NFL experience onto the roster, we'll figure our where they play quick enough.
If he's any good replace Stan.
Ya'll are ridiculous with the expectations sometimes. If he's here this year, he'll be stapled to the PR.
Next year we can see what he does in camp when there are some opportunities for snaps up for grabs. The guy isn't exactly a young rookie, so the hope is that he hits the ground running I think.
Quote from: DM83 on August 30, 2026, 01:19:56 AMIf he's any good replace Stan.
More likely he'd be pencilled in at RT with Broxton taking over at LT. That's even if Cline shows enough upside to start in 2027. That's only a wish at the moment.
If we lose Neufeld to retirement he might be our RG before he has a chance to move to OT.
Quote from: Jesse on August 30, 2026, 01:29:13 AMYa'll are ridiculous with the expectations sometimes. If he's here this year, he'll be stapled to the PR.
Not necessarily. Though it is late in the season, there's precedent for 1st year week 1 starters (yes, by the Mafia). If his "week 1" is our week 17, he could still start then.
If Fortin can start in CGY in week 1, then so can Cline.
The only difference I can see, and the big question is, did Cline play 3-down in U or 4? Big advantage if it was 3-down, though I'm guessing not.
Quote from: Jesse on August 30, 2026, 01:29:13 AMYa'll are ridiculous with the expectations sometimes. If he's here this year, he'll be stapled to the PR.
Next year we can see what he does in camp when there are some opportunities for snaps up for grabs. The guy isn't exactly a young rookie, so the hope is that he hits the ground running I think.
I agree. He has to show he can play in the CFL before he starts replacing anyone on our OL. He was with Boston College for 6 years and only has 14 starts. 11 of those in his final year. He's a big man with all the tools, but he will have to adjust to the Canadian game.
Dude's a rookie with upside; he's not taking anyone's job this year.
Great news. Get him on the PR ASAP, let him get comfortable with the team & systems and then he'll be able to grab a spot next year.
Ditto with Manu.
These 2 replacing Bryant & Neufy take away much of the arguement many have of saying we're too old.
Quote from: Jesse on August 30, 2026, 01:29:13 AMYa'll are ridiculous with the expectations sometimes. If he's here this year, he'll be stapled to the PR.
Next year we can see what he does in camp when there are some opportunities for snaps up for grabs. The guy isn't exactly a young rookie, so the hope is that he hits the ground running I think.
I don't see why he couldn't.
He's a Canadian from a major NCAA school.
He can play tackle.
If Bryant continues to struggle, I don't see a problem with Broxton starting at LT and Kline at RT.
Quote from: CrazyCanuck89 on August 30, 2026, 02:54:55 PMI don't see why he couldn't.
He's a Canadian from a major NCAA school.
He can play tackle.
If Bryant continues to struggle, I don't see a problem with Broxton starting at LT and Kline at RT.
I feel that it's incredibly unlikely he would jump in with a few weeks left in the season and, from scout team reps and without knowing the playbook, he wouldn't immediately prove to be better than the multiple OL in front of him on the depth chart.
Quote from: Tecno on August 30, 2026, 07:25:43 AMNot necessarily. Though it is late in the season, there's precedent for 1st year week 1 starters (yes, by the Mafia). If his "week 1" is our week 17, he could still start then.
If Fortin can start in CGY in week 1, then so can Cline.
The only difference I can see, and the big question is, did Cline play 3-down in U or 4? Big advantage if it was 3-down, though I'm guessing not.
There's precedent for week 1 starters who were drafted in the first round, had an open position that they were immediately competing for, after an entire training camp and preseason with the team.
Zero precedent for a player coming in and jumping over multiple people who have been here the whole year. Very anti-MOS.
Besides the fact that big Stan and the OL just played their best game of the season and no one is getting benched.
What's his footwork like.
Quote from: CrazyCanuck89 on August 30, 2026, 02:54:55 PMI don't see why he couldn't.
He's a Canadian from a major NCAA school.
He can play tackle.
If Bryant continues to struggle, I don't see a problem with Broxton starting at LT and Kline at RT.
We'll see but I think Bryant's play has improved significantly in the last few games, he's getting more involved in run blocking assignments than he ever used to and he's not failing as badly with Daniels, Eli and Brady helping out more to protect Zach. Could all blow up in one game against a good pass rusher like Lemon but I think Stan got the message he was not playing well early season and stepped up his game to avoid embarrassment.
Quote from: Pigskin on August 30, 2026, 01:38:00 PMI agree. He has to show he can play in the CFL before he starts replacing anyone on our OL. He was with Boston College for 6 years and only has 14 starts. 11 of those in his final year. He's a big man with all the tools, but he will have to adjust to the Canadian game.
How quick he comes North could be telling, makes you wonder how enthusiastic he is to establish a pro football career, as some of these big linemen never bother to do, which would make him a very terrible draft selection.
Rookies clear waiver wire in 24 hours and can then be placed on PR's.
My money's on him joining the PR.
The Dolphins' PR that is.
You can't put him on the PR, he'd get scooped immediately
Quote from: theaardvark on August 31, 2026, 02:32:54 AMYou can't put him on the PR, he'd get scooped immediately
I kind of doubt that.
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on August 30, 2026, 09:38:13 PMMy money's on him joining the PR.
The Dolphins' PR that is.
That isn't in their projected PR but another team might add him to theirs.
I'd prefer to see him next season and potentially compete for a starting spot on the OL.
I'm really hoping Paddy and Stanley retire on top this season. We've seen some decline already and it can only go down from there. If they retire, they save MOS from making a difficult decision that he's not known to make.
In a perfect world, we get Cline and Manu at the start of training camp next year!
I would put my money on Cline but not on Manu to be honest.
Hopefully another guard comes along to take over for Paddy, I don't think Eli is starting material.
Quote from: Blue In BC on August 31, 2026, 02:41:20 PMThat isn't in their projected PR but another team might add him to theirs.
Maybe. I just wouldn't hold my breath on him coming north any time soon.
It seemed like big Stan was helped by the passing plays being run, more like the T. Harris offence... and maybe being executed better.
And some receivers blocking better.
O line seems to be playing with more intensity. I noticed a pissed off Neufeld.
Quote from: LXTSN on August 31, 2026, 03:15:06 PMI'd prefer to see him next season and potentially compete for a starting spot on the OL.
I'm really hoping Paddy and Stanley retire on top this season. We've seen some decline already and it can only go down from there. If they retire, they save MOS from making a difficult decision that he's not known to make.
In a perfect world, we get Cline and Manu at the start of training camp next year!
I would put my money on Cline but not on Manu to be honest.
Hopefully another guard comes along to take over for Paddy, I don't think Eli is starting material.
I don't see a decline in Neufeld yet, he continues to play with aggression, leadership and high energy. Without an obvious opening the next Natl. O-linemen will probably follow the usual route to starting thru the 6th-man door. I think Couture was the last rookie to step directly in as a starter on the O-line, one of only a few that have accomplished that trick in the past 25 years.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on August 31, 2026, 04:42:09 PMI don't see a decline in Neufeld yet, he continues to play with aggression, leadership and high energy. Without an obvious opening the next Natl. O-linemen will probably follow the usual route to starting thru the 6th-man door. I think Couture was the last rookie to step directly in as a starter on the O-line, one of only a few that have accomplished that trick in the past 25 years.
Yeah folks are a little too hard on him at times on here. He has been nothing but great for a long time. Old yes but has a little left in his tank.
Agree all.
We've got to get better at replacing our aging veterans before it's painfully obvious that it's necessary.
Neufeld is still playing at a pretty high level but regression is coming and coming soon.
We don't need to Jake Thomas / Deatrick Nichols him into oblivion to appreciate him. Even Big Stan should have probably been retired last year.
Waiting until he collapses is not typically how successful football teams operate. Advocating for that is essentially advocating for middling results not to mention it delays the development of the next Neufeld for us all to cheer for and enjoy.
We need to be hungrier. Other teams certainly are.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on August 31, 2026, 04:42:09 PMI don't see a decline in Neufeld yet, he continues to play with aggression, leadership and high energy. Without an obvious opening the next Natl. O-linemen will probably follow the usual route to starting thru the 6th-man door. I think Couture was the last rookie to step directly in as a starter on the O-line, one of only a few that have accomplished that trick in the past 25 years.
I disagree with this, but maybe it was worse last year than this season. He is a very good run blocker, but he really struggles to pass block. I know Luke Willson was talking him up on the call but I don't really get it.
I think our pass blocking schemes from Condell have covered up his weakness's this season.
Quote from: LXTSN on August 31, 2026, 05:30:32 PMI disagree with this, but maybe it was worse last year than this season. He is a very good run blocker, but he really struggles to pass block. I know Luke Willson was talking him up on the call but I don't really get it.
I think our pass blocking schemes from Condell have covered up his weakness's this season.
Last season Neuf spent a lot of time trying to cover up for Kola getting bull rushed, so I'd give him a pass.
Miami claimed 2 more offensive tackles off waivers, and have already placed one other OT on their practice roster. Not looking promising for Cline.
Quote from: bunker on August 31, 2026, 11:52:06 PMMiami claimed 2 more offensive tackles off waivers, and have already placed one other OT on their practice roster. Not looking promising for Cline.
Nah, he's out.
We still might not see him for a bit, but he's an undrafted guy who didn't stick on the PR so his prospects are as low as they get.
the fact that Miami claimed two tackles from other teams more than like indicates that they have no interest in signing Kline to pr.
I'm quite pleased to be wrong about Cline getting on the Dolphins' PR. ;D
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on August 31, 2026, 04:42:09 PMI don't see a decline in Neufeld yet, he continues to play with aggression, leadership and high energy.
Neuf is definitely not as good as he was. But he hasn't hit the wall like Stan has. Sometimes Neuf is blocking air, or letting DL squirt through one of his gaps; but
all of our OL takes turns doing that.
But Neuf has an outsized leadership and morale role on the team that can't be ignored. He's like Willie or BA in that he'll get a longer leash and be kept past the BB/MA date for this reason. I would not shed Neuf yet, and I fully expect he stays with the team for at least '27. Last time we got rid of our big "heart and soul" player (you know who!) we instantly went from winning 2 cups in a row to losing 3 cups in a row.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on August 31, 2026, 04:42:09 PMI think Couture was the last rookie to step directly in as a starter on the O-line, one of only a few that have accomplished that trick in the past 25 years.
Desjar and Gray both started for us on OL in year 1, no? We had a great string of 1st-year-starters going back nearly 10 years. Weren't Chungh & Goose also? But since Desjar, that bonus has completely dried up. Kinda hard when the only OL you draft are 3rd round or later...
Couture sat behind Goose for the first few years. Chungh and Desjar started as rookies for sure, Gray some starts as a rookie I think. Since then its been tough.
Quote from: RebusRankin on September 01, 2026, 01:42:54 PMCouture sat behind Goose for the first few years. Chungh and Desjar started as rookies for sure, Gray some starts as a rookie I think. Since then its been tough.
Gabe Wallace also played some in year one. Of all the positions we tend to be most willing to play our Canadian offensive interior lineman early.
Quote from: Tecno on September 01, 2026, 06:00:02 AMDesjar and Gray both started for us on OL in year 1, no? We had a great string of 1st-year-starters going back nearly 10 years. Weren't Chungh & Goose also? But since Desjar, that bonus has completely dried up. Kinda hard when the only OL you draft are 3rd round or later...
I think Chungh started right away. Desjarlais starts about midway through his rookie season. Gray spent a year in the NFL, then was prematurely put in due to a Neufeld injury but finished the year on the bench. Goose backed up for 2 years before starting in year 3. Same with Couture.
We definitely invested a lot more in OL in the early days but the vast majority didn't start right away. And the ones that did were mostly because of need, not because they won the position.
Looks like Walters is finally getting some traction on his flyer picks.
Elgersma, possibly Cline, maybe Manu...
Would be nice to have a 3-4 Nat Oline again...
Quote from: Jesse on September 01, 2026, 02:12:20 PMI think Chungh started right away. Desjarlais starts about midway through his rookie season. Gray spent a year in the NFL, then was prematurely put in due to a Neufeld injury but finished the year on the bench. Goose backed up for 2 years before starting in year 3. Same with Couture.
We definitely invested a lot more in OL in the early days but the vast majority didn't start right away. And the ones that did were mostly because of need, not because they won the position.
What ever happened to Chungh. He was a starter for BC and then just disappeared!????
Quote from: BBRT on September 01, 2026, 03:53:43 PMWhat ever happened to Chungh. He was a starter for BC and then just disappeared!????
GM Rigmaiden didn't tender a contract for him before the 2025 season. He's sat ever since, which is perplexing unless he only wanted to keep playing for Lions.
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on September 01, 2026, 04:09:17 PMGM Rigmaiden didn't tender a contract for him before the 2025 season. He's sat ever since, which is perplexing unless he only wanted to keep playing for Lions.
His family runs a number of highly profitable business operations in the Vancouver area, so he's probably keeping busy. He was making $250k a season when the Lions dumped him so that's a factor, but there are easier ways to make money than playing football, like Geoff Gray he had enough and moved on.
Quote from: BBRT on September 01, 2026, 03:53:43 PMWhat ever happened to Chungh. He was a starter for BC and then just disappeared!????
Chungh's last game I remember, maybe a wsf, maybe the game before Rourke left for the NFL, in bc place I think, Chungh is running downfield right to block for a play, and he whiffs on his guy.
He screams visibly and crazily a very bad word, arm waving, fist clenching. I've never seen an ol that angry at botching that before. It was about then they knew they were gonna lose.
I think that's the moment Chungh didn't find it fun anymore. Haven't seen him since. Kind of surprised the whole cfl world.
He certainly was better than 50 percent of nat ol still.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on September 01, 2026, 01:58:07 PMGabe Wallace also played some in year one. Of all the positions we tend to be most willing to play our Canadian offensive interior lineman early.
I only remember Wallace as 6th or 7th in jumbo... I don't think he got any start that year? But maybe in game injury relief?
I loved that max jumbo set when both Eli and Wallace were in at the same time. 7 ol.
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on September 01, 2026, 02:53:10 AMI'm quite pleased to be wrong about Cline getting on the Dolphins' PR. ;D
I'm not sure that I am! If he's not good enough to play for the Dolphins, that's a bad look!
But seriously, I'd love to get him back to replace Stanley next season!
Quote from: LXTSN on September 02, 2026, 02:14:18 PMI'm not sure that I am! If he's not good enough to play for the Dolphins, that's a bad look!
But seriously, I'd love to get him back to replace Stanley next season!
Have we heard anything about Cline's intentions regarding NFL effort or coming to the CFL?
Quote from: Blue In BC on September 02, 2026, 02:42:49 PMHave we heard anything about Cline's intentions regarding NFL effort or coming to the CFL?
Nope. And he's not the profile of a guy who might immediately come north although it's looking more like he might have to if he wants to keep playing. He's not really Canadian. Or at least he's as Canadian as Drew Wolitarsky was. The dude is from Florida and played his college ball in Boston. Yay. Give the guy some ketchup chips and the fans here who love the ratio can cheer extra hard for him.
Quote from: Tecno on September 02, 2026, 07:24:33 AMI only remember Wallace as 6th or 7th in jumbo... I don't think he got any start that year? But maybe in game injury relief?
I loved that max jumbo set when both Eli and Wallace were in at the same time. 7 ol.
You're right, Wallace did not start any games in his rookie season, much of which he lost to major injury.
No news is probably not good news. Other 2026 draft choices around the league are coming north. It's another week lost in a short season.
Quote from: Blue In BC on September 04, 2026, 05:31:18 PMNo news is probably not good news. Other 2026 draft choices around the league are coming north. It's another week lost in a short season.
They can't even keep Vibert on the active roster, how would they accommodate Cline? Likely scenario he stays on the PR for the remainder of the season if he does show up.
I know they love Eli and he does great work as a 6th man and a backup, but it's kinda looking like his days in Wpg. may be limited to the end of this season.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on September 04, 2026, 05:54:59 PMThey can't even keep Vibert on the active roster, how would they accommodate Cline? Likely scenario he stays on the PR for the remainder of the season if he does show up.
I know they love Eli and he does great work as a 6th man and a backup, but it's kinda looking like his days in Wpg. may be limited to the end of this season.
The difference is they don't see Vibert as a future starter. He's just a backup barring injury.
Cline was a top ranked prospect who might get NFL looks. Vibert isn't and never was close to that... We would take Brody Clark off the roster if we need to.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on September 04, 2026, 05:54:59 PMThey can't even keep Vibert on the active roster, how would they accommodate Cline? Likely scenario he stays on the PR for the remainder of the season if he does show up.
I know they love Eli and he does great work as a 6th man and a backup, but it's kinda looking like his days in Wpg. may be limited to the end of this season.
Eli might follow the cake elsewhere
Quote from: Blueforlife on September 04, 2026, 06:04:30 PMEli might follow the cake elsewhere
A backup who can do everything except play ot is pretty valuable. Rice bounced around a ton before he was finally dropped due to old age.
Teams love to sign these guys as insurance going into a playoff run, especially if they are a bit short with injury.
I don't know his age, but I could see him staying employed until 33 or 34.
And it may be with us. Because while Vibert can snap, no one says he's better than Eli overall. Eli has mastered his role. And he's a ton of heart and effort. MOS often sings his praises.
Quote from: Tecno on September 04, 2026, 10:41:41 PMA backup who can do everything except play ot is pretty valuable. Rice bounced around a ton before he was finally dropped due to old age.
Teams love to sign these guys as insurance going into a playoff run, especially if they are a bit short with injury.
I don't know his age, but I could see him staying employed until 33 or 34.
And it may be with us. Because while Vibert can snap, no one says he's better than Eli overall. Eli has mastered his role. And he's a ton of heart and effort. MOS often sings his praises.
Daniels is already stealing a lot of Eli's reps, last game I saw Eli slip out and turn to receive a pass, Zach looked his way and decided to run instead even though he was wide open.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on September 04, 2026, 10:57:49 PMDaniels is already stealing a lot of Eli's reps, last game I saw Eli slip out and turn to receive a pass, Zach looked his way and decided to run instead even though he was wide open.
It's a both/and not either/or. And Daniels is stealing more from Ike than Eli.
There's room for both, and they are often out there together. If Ike couldn't play rb, he'd already be relegated to pr.
Quote from: Tecno on September 04, 2026, 11:04:58 PMIt's a both/and not either/or. And Daniels is stealing more from Ike than Eli.
There's room for both, and they are often out there together. If Ike couldn't play rb, he'd already be relegated to pr.
When Daniels is on he's filling that 12th spot in place of Cobb, MCI and Clercius, when Eli comes on he's replacing a wimpy receiver who can't block like Pokey, White or sometimes Nield, same for Clercius and MCI.
SY package can see Pokey, White, Nield and even Demski at times standing on the sidelines, while Daniels, Eli, Clercius and MCI grind out a yard. Last game Demski and Nield both helped out on occasion as it looked like they ran hurry up in the redzone.
Demski is great at taking on any blocking assignment but I swear that inside blocking role wears him down the most. He's a game changer that needs to be in good health for the playoffs when he's almost always banged up. Couple of games on the IR late in the fall would help him recover.