The Miami Dolphins Must Add one More Guard Via Free Agency

The NFL Draft serves as the foundation for many successful teams, providing a vital avenue for building the roster after years of rebuilding and acquiring draft capital. From quarterbacks to the offensive line, draft day is a thrilling occasion that shapes the future of NFL franchises. However, the draft also influences free agency, as teams make tough decisions on which players they can afford to keep or allow to test the market. Just last year, Saquon Barkley’s signing helped push the Eagles over the top, raising the question of who this year’s impact free agent will be.

For the Miami Dolphins, the focus now shifts to a “win-now” mentality. This position has come to fruition thanks to the strategic construction of their roster, the execution of crucial December football, and ultimately, a mix of injuries. The primary concern for the Dolphins as they build their roster for the future remains their offensive line. While they’ve made significant strides, one glaring need remains: the last guard position.

On the first day of free agency, the Miami Dolphins signed James Daniels, a necessary acquisition that stabilizes the right side of the offensive line. With Austin Jackson returning from injury and Aaron Brewer solidifying the center position, the Dolphins are now looking for another proven talent to fill the left guard role. However, there’s also the uncertainty surrounding Terron Armstead’s long-term health, which could influence their draft strategy. If they’re not confident in Armstead’s durability, the team may look to invest more heavily in the draft to address the offensive line, unless they believe in Patrick Paul’s potential as a long-term solution.

Who Are the Remaining Options

1. Will Hernandez (Arizona Cardinals, 6-3, 332, 29 years old)- A similar contract to that of Brewer or Daniels would work for Hernandez. Hernandez is a solid guard who is also coming off what appeared to be a career year before injury. According to PFF, he recorded a 69.4 overall grade, which ranks 25th of 98 among guards. He also recorded a pass block grade of 74.2 and a run block grade of 66.1. Hernandez was also only penalized 8 times in his three-year tenure with the Cardinals and could be another veteran piece to help lead the Dolphins future draft picks and Patrick Paul.
2. Will Fries (Indianapolis Colts, 6-6, 305, 26 years old)- Will Fries is also coming off injury but is another great option but will likely be an expensive one ($12-14 million). Fries has started at the tackle positions as well and as we’ve discussed the Dolphins love versatility on the offensive line. Fries was a huge contributor to the Colts elite rushing attack and would be a great addition to the Dolphins line. Fries has 12 penalties in 41 career games and played in 268 snaps before injury this past year for the Colts. During that time, he had an 86.9 PFF grade, 2 sacks allowed, 1 penalty, 1 QBH, 6 Pressures. *Signed by the Vikings for 5 years $88 million*
3. Teven Jenkins (Chicago Bears, 6-6, 321, 27 years old)- Another versatile offensive lineman with huge upside, but there’s one large concern; injuries. Many would joke and say that makes him a perfect fit for the Miami Dolphins, but he was one of the few bright spots in a Bears weak offensive line. Jenkins is another solid option but due to injury would need to be acquired on a reasonable deal in the $8-10 million range, once again similar to that of Brewer and Daniels.
4. Daniel Brunskill (Tennessee Titans, 6-5, 300, 31 years old)- The most versatile of all the options and likely the cheapest. Brunskill is the perfect example of a plug and play guy who would also add much needed depth to the Miami Dolphins offensive line. Signing someone like Brunskill would give him the potential to compete for a starting spot while also enabling more options in the NFL Draft. The draft has many prospects that should be available beyond the first round that may even be able to make an impact week one.

There are many other names available, but these guys top my list, signing Hernandez Fries or Jenkins would point to the Dolphins looking at the defensive side of the ball in the first round of the NFL draft. While signing someone like Brunskill leaves the door open to an offensive lineman. But the draft is a long way away and free agency sets the road for the NFL draft. The guard position is of the utmost necessity for the Miami Dolphins and adding at least one more via free agency is a must. The next story to look to is Terron Armstead’s future in football and Patrick Paul’s development, but let’s keep our feet where they are, and shore up this offensive line.