Ashtyn Davis seeks ‘clean slate’ with Miami Dolphins

Ashtyn Davis is trading the 212 for the 305— and for a hopeful spot as a Miami Dolphins starting safety.

After four seasons with the New York Jets, Davis is getting a fresh start in Miami. The Dolphins signed the speedy, versatile defensive back to a one-year deal in March 2025 worth $2.5 million, including a $1.23 million signing bonus and up to $500,000 in performance incentives.

He says he has been putting in the work this offseason, and despite the fact he has started in less than half of his career games, he’s ready for the challenge.

“It was just important for me to get a clean slate,” Davis said after Tuesday’s minicamp practice. “I think it’s going to be good for me. I was excited to come down here and just have an opportunity to work, and [that’s] all I can really ask for.”

A “clean slate” is exactly what the Dolphins need in that safety position after the disaster that was their defensive experiment in 2024 backfired.

In an effort to solidify the secondary last season, the Dolphins’ defense paired veteran 2022 Pro Bowl player Jordan Poyer with rising talent Jevon Holland, whom they drafted in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. The plan quickly unraveled.

Poyer showed signs of decline, finishing the 2024 season with no interceptions, just three passes defended, and a passer rating of 111.2 when targeted. Compounding that luckluster, Holland’s season was derailed by injuries, and overall, the duo failed to generate impact plays, combining for zero interceptions and one turnover all season.

Davis is hoping to answer the Dolphins’ prayers — adding that while he’s bigger in size size (6-1, 202 pounds) his real asset is his speed.

“My speed is more so my game,” Davis said. “[I’m getting that] range in the deep field, deep middle, deep half.”

Looking at his time with the Jets, he could just be that underrated player the Dolphins’ defense needs this season. Even with limited reps, he has logged eight interceptions, 175 career tackles, 15 pass deflections and three forced fumbles — a ball hawk by anyone’s definition.

A standout moment for Davis came with his 52-yard interception in the Jets’ November game versus Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills, showcasing the very speed and range he prides himself on.

Nearing his three-month mark with the Dolphins, Davis says his priority this offseason has been studying up on film.

“[I’ve been] getting in and making sure that once I get on the field, things don’t speed up,” Davis said. “[I want to] be ready for anything that could or will show up.”

Davis joins the Dolphins’ roster alongside fellow former Jets player quarterback Zach Wilson and fellow safety and former Detroit Lions player Ifeatu Melifonwu. Add both defensive players to Patrick McMorris and Elijah Campbell who are already on the roster, and general manager Chris Grier says the team “feels good” there.

“We feel like we have some depth there,” Grier said in an early April news conference. In May, defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver added that the two have proven themselves to be “leaders in the back end.”

In terms of Davis’ status as the starting safety on the depth chart, he’s more focused on the communication in his room.

“I think it’s more so about everyone getting reps, getting in communication,” Davis said. “We’ve rotated everyone — it’s more of a structure thing, the depth chart, at this point. I like it at this stage because I’m getting to talk to everybody. And I think communicating with everyone makes me better, because not everyone communicates the same. So that’s been a huge part for me.”

According to McDaniel, the competition for the starting spots on the depth chart is “heavy” and the group is “putting their mark on the team.”

A lot of guys [are] really going after it, so that’s going to elicit the best outcome for the Dolphins,” McDaniels said Wednesday morning before the second day of minicamp. “They both [Davis and Melinfonwu] have led the charge in understanding what we’re asking and putting together meaningful reps.”

This story was originally published June 11, 2025 at 2:10 PM.