Bobby McCain Agrees to 1-Year Contract with Washington After Dolphins Release

Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIMay 15, 2021

AP Photo/Rick Scuteri

Free-agent defensive back Bobby McCain has agreed to a one-year deal with the Washington Football Team.

McCain's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, relayed the news to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

As Ian Rapoport of NFL Network noted, McCain had recently visited the team.

McCain played his first six NFL seasons with the Miami Dolphins, who released the team captain on May 6.

The ex-Memphis Tiger, who has played cornerback and safety during his Dolphin tenure, amassed 46 tackles, five pass breakups and an interception in 2020.

In 2020, the 28-year-old played in all 16 games, starting 15 for a team that allowed the sixth-fewest points per game in the NFL.

Pro Football Focus' Ryan Smith provided a take on McCain's play over the last few years, which included a position change from cornerback to safety:

Ryan Smith @PFF_RyanSmith
Bobby McCain was a strong slot cornerback (as evidenced by his best season in 2017) but has been just average in his transition to safety the last few seasons<br><br>The writing seemed on the wall here when Holland (who can play both positions well) went in the 2nd round#Dolphins https://t.co/ZivaF0Xldm

And JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington relayed what it may mean for the Washington Football Team secondary:

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JP Finlay @JPFinlayNBCS
Washington signs safety Bobby McCain, source confirms. <br>That’s good news for McCain and very bad news for Troy Apke. Will be very interesting to see what it means for Landon Collins.

JP Finlay @JPFinlayNBCS
But think about the DBs - usually 10 roster spots - Fuller, Jackson, Curl, Forrest, St Juste all locks. Then you’ve got Reaves, Moreland and Everett likely. Collins contract makes him very hard to move. That’s 9. And the team will need more corners. Tough road for Apke

As for the Dolphins, releasing McCain amounted to a cost-cutting move, with Josh Tolentino of The Athletic reporting that Miami saved $5.6 million against the salary cap.

The Dolphins selected McCain in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL draft. He played all 48 games over his first three seasons, starting 19. McCain then became a full-time starter for the 2018 season.

In 87 career games, McCain has seven interceptions, 30 pass breakups, four sacks and 254 combined tackles.