Dolphins Sign James Daniels – A Fitting Pickup at Guard

The Miami Dolphins have made a significant move to bolster their offensive line, signing veteran guard James Daniels to a three-year, $24 million contract, a bargain for a player of his caliber. This addition addresses one of Miami’s biggest weaknesses from last season: inconsistent guard play. At 6’4” and 327 pounds, Daniels brings size, athleticism, and versatility—qualities that make him an ideal fit for the Dolphins’ system.

James Daniels’ Background & Experience

Originally a second-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears, Daniels quickly established himself as a reliable presence on the offensive line. Over four seasons in Chicago, he showcased his ability to play both guard and center, demonstrating the type of versatility that NFL teams covet. In 2022, he signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, further solidifying his reputation as a durable and technically sound interior lineman. He played three seasons with Pittsburgh before suffering an Achilles injury that cut short his 2024 season after just four games. Before going down, he was the highest-graded interior offensive lineman in the NFL, earning an elite 92.9 PFF grade, ranking first among all interior linemen through Week 4.

A Signing Similar to Aaron Brewer?

The Dolphins’ front office has made it clear that they value versatility on the offensive line, a trend that continues with Daniels’ signing. Much like Aaron Brewer last offseason, Daniels has experience at both guard and center, giving Miami crucial flexibility should injuries arise. Brewer’s ability to slide inside when needed was a valuable asset, and Daniels is expected to provide a similar safety net while also being an immediate upgrade as a starting guard.

Daniels and What He Could Bring

On talent alone, Daniels was among the best guards available in free agency, though he is coming off a 2024 season cut short after four games due to an Achilles injury. If healthy, he has the potential to be a top-tier interior lineman, as evidenced by his dominant start to last season. Daniels has played both left guard and right guard in the NFL, so he could wind up at either position in Miami. He has started 84 of his 90 NFL games in his first seven seasons, showcasing his reliability and experience.

How Daniels Fits in Miami’s Scheme

One of the Dolphins’ biggest issues last season was unstable guard play, with a rotating cast that included Liam Eichenberg, Isaiah Wynn, and Robert Jones. All three of them are set to become free agents, and while it’s possible that Miami could bring one or more of them back, the team clearly wanted an upgrade. Daniels provides that upgrade if he can return to full strength.

His athleticism and movement skills make him a strong fit for the Dolphins’ run-heavy, outside-zone approach, which relies on linemen being able to get to the second level efficiently. Additionally, his pass protection is an upgrade over last year’s options, which is critical for keeping Tua Tagovailoa upright and healthy. James Daniels allowed just two sacks in 2023, and was only penalized two times, another crucial thing for Miami’s offense.

Final Thoughts

The Dolphins entered the offseason needing a dependable and experienced interior lineman, and James Daniels checks all the boxes. His combination of size, athleticism, and versatility makes him a strong addition to Miami’s offensive line, while his experience at both guard and center provides crucial depth.

If Daniels stays healthy and performs to expectations, this could be one of the Dolphins’ smartest offseason moves, helping solidify an offensive line that has been a weak point for years.