Defensive tackle Teair Tart spoke with reporters Tuesday for the first time since signing a one-year, $1.3 million free agent deal with the Miami Dolphins.
While he’s thrilled about his new address, the terms of the contract were less than Tart envisioned fetching in free agency just a few weeks back.
Does Teair Tart Have an Attitude Problem?
Tart reportedly wasn’t thrilled with how little the Tennessee Titans used him in 2023, and — according to multiple reports — his attitude and effort as he worked through that dissatisfaction weren’t what his coaches needed.
So the Titans agreed to cut him late in a lost season — and then leaked their concerns to the press on the way out the door.
“I think I just needed a culture change,” Tart said Tuesday. “I think it was just better to not be a part of the situation anymore.”
Consider his culture changed. After a very brief stint with the Houston Texans to finish out the 2023 season, Tart is out of the AFC South for the first time in his career — and back in South Florida, where he played his college ball for FIU.
And he seemed determined Tuesday to make clear that the Dolphins are going to get his best in 2024.
“I was in Tennessee four years,” Tart said. “I never had work ethic questions, work ethic issues, until I asked for a release.
“Coming from a [Bill] Belichick situation, you know, you gotta play hard, you gotta practice hard.
“[The Dolphins] expect me to be competitive, spirited. I’m not afraid to show emotion out there on the field and, and really get after it and compete and, you know I’m really just excited for a new beginning.
“Honestly, you know, Tennessee is the past. You know, I was at Houston after that. That’s the past, I’m here in Miami now, and I’m excited to get to know the fans. I’m excited to play hard for this organization, and I’m in awe just to be here, man. It’s a blessing.”
Tart is one of eight defensive tackles the Dolphins added or re-signed this offseason in their attempt to replace the loss of Christian Wilkins and Raekwon Davis.
Tart insisted his role with this Dolphins team was not discussed prior to signing but was simply told he would have “a fair opportunity” to win playing time. At 304 pounds, he isn’t the biggest interior lineman, but Tart believes he can play most any position — including nose tackle.
“I’m a football player,” Tart said. “I’m a football player first. So, you know, wherever, wherever you feel comfortable is, is where I’m comfortable. I’m here to help the team win. Whatever it takes, man.”
KEEP READING: Dolphins Aren’t as Concerned About Defensive Tackle as Their Fans Are
The Dolphins weren’t Tart’s only option in free agency. They weren’t even the most lucrative opportunity. So why sign with Miami?
“I think the biggest reason why I signed back here is, you know, it’s obviously a familiar area for me. I went to college here. So, you know, it’s just really great to be back in a comfortable environment, a familiar environment, a family environment.”
