The Miami Dolphins will need to address the left tackle position in free agency this coming offseason.
Former first-round pick Austin Jackson has been moved to guard amidst his struggles, and the Dolphins have yet to find an adequate replacement.
Liam Eichenberg has been the team’s primary left tackle during the 2021 season, but he has allowed nine sacks this season while right tackle Jesse Davis has allowed eight.
That is putting too much pressure on quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, and the Dolphins should be in the market for at least one offensive tackle this offseason.
The Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson broke down some of the team’s potential options at the position.
“The Dolphins need to fill this critical position in free agency, because expending another high draft pick with the hope it will work out seems foolish after Austin Jackson and Liam Eichenberg failed to develop into adequate NFL left tackles and Rob Hunt was moved to right guard,” Jackson wrote.
“There could be six solid-to-very good options in free agency: New Orleans’ Terron Armstead, Kansas City’s Orlando Brown, Indianapolis’ Eric Fisher, Washington’s Charles Leno, New England’s Trent Brown and Jacksonville’s Cam Robinson.
“But Orlando Brown likely won’t make it to free agency and Armstead would cost a bundle if he does.
“Armstead, 30, was a Pro Bowler the past three years and is the best of the group but has missed eight games due to injury; Pro Football Focus predicts he will get a three-year, $57.5 million deal.”
The Dolphins will likely need to commit a large sum of money to any left tackle that they sign in free agency, but the options could dwindle if some of these players return to their respective teams.
If Miami wants to maximize Tagovailoa’s talent in the 2022 season, surrounding him with an improved offensive line would be a good way to start.
