The Miami Dolphins have already done some work this offseason to help their offensive line, but it doesn’t look like they’re satisfied just yet.
According to a recent report, the Dolphins have contacted multiple offensive tackles this offseason, including veteran George Fant.
Per source, Dolphins have shown interest in George Fant, who has 60 NFL starts at tackle for Seattle and Jets. Started 36 of 37 games for Jets past three years. He's one of multiple OTs with whom they've been in contact. As I've noted, I expect RT competition for Austin Jackson.
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) March 17, 2023
As the report indicates, the primary reason the Dolphins are interested in adding another tackle is likely to create competition at the starting right tackle position.
Austin Jackson was selected by the Dolphins with the No. 18 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, but he has not really panned out thus far. He was iffy in his first two years and then managed to play in just two games last season.
Earlier this offseason, it was reported that the Dolphins are not expected to pick up his fifth-year option, a pretty clear sign that the team is considering moving on from him in the future.
If the Dolphins were to add Fant, it would perhaps be yet another sign that they are ready to move on from Jackson.
Fant has been a pretty consistent starter throughout much of his time in the NFL. His first season in the NFL came in 2016, and he started 10 of his 14 games for the Seattle Seahawks that season despite entering the league as an undrafted rookie.
He ultimately started 24 of the 46 games he appeared in for the Seahawks before heading to the New York Jets ahead of the 2020 campaign. He started every game that he appeared in but one for the Jets during his three-year stint with the team.
So far this offseason, offensive line has been a major area of interest for the Dolphins. They signed veteran Dan Feeney on Thursday and brought back Kendall Lamm earlier this week to improve depth. Now, it looks like they’re considering adding an option at tackle that could be a starter if need be.
For Jackson, this has to be a clear indication that the time is now if he is going to prove that he has what it takes to be a solid starter in the NFL.
