There are a “couple” of offensive linemen set to hit free agency in March that stand out as targets to the Miami Dolphins, according to head coach Mike McDaniel.
“I think we have a tangible opportunity to improve,” McDaniel said of the Dolphins’ offensive line. “That starts in free agency with a couple of guys that we have targeted. [We] think [we] can get a deal done with them, and that continues into the draft. I think it’s a very good time to have some need. It’s time for us to invest in that position and I’m excited to. That can come – I would expect it to surface itself in both free agency and the draft.”
McDaniel isn’t naming names, for obvious reasons, but there are a few veterans who could make sense.
Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith, a Pro Bowler in 2024, is expected to be the top offensive lineman on the market, but he’ll likely be outside of the Dolphins’ limited price range. But aging vets like Kevin Zeitler, Brandon Scherff, and Will Hernandez stand out as more affordable options who could take over a starting role right away.
Ultimately, Miami will need to find young offensive linemen in the 2025 NFL draft who can reshape the unit for the foreseeable future. But with guards Liam Eichenberg, Robert Jones, and Isaiah Wynn all set to hit free agency next month, a stopgap solution or two in free agency is a must.