Report: Miami Dolphins have talked to at least 3 guards with starting experience

The Miami Dolphins have had some level of communication with three guards who remain free agents, according to a report, though the team may wait until after the draft to decide how to proceed.

“According to two sources, the Dolphins have had at least some level of communication with two veteran free agent starting guards, and one part-time starting guard, but have indicated they might want to get through the draft before deciding whether to add a veteran starting guard,” wrote Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.

“Isaiah Wynn is expected to be the front-runner to start at left guard. The right guard could be Liam Eichenberg, Robert Jones, Lester Cotton, Jack Driscoll or someone who’s not currently on the roster.”

Guards like Dalton Risner, Laken Tomlinson and Mark Glowinski remain available in free agency and could provide the Dolphins will some help at the position, though it’s unclear which of those players (if any) are on Miami’s radar.

The 2024 NFL Draft will take place later this month, and the Dolphins currently have six selections. They could use one of those picks on an offensive lineman, which would give them more clarity in that area.

The Dolphins know as well as any team in the NFL that offensive line play is crucial to success, especially when the unit is tasked with protecting a player like Tua Tagovailoa. The quarterback has dealt with concussion issues in his career, and while he didn’t miss a single game this past season, his health and availability have to remain top priorities for the team moving forward.

It’s worth noting that he was sacked 29 times in the 2023 season, a career-high. But that statistic may not tell the whole story, as one has to acknowledge the fact that he played four more games than any other season in his NFL career.

His sack percentage — a statistic that measures how often a quarterback is sacked when attempting to pass — came in at 4.9 this past season, equaling the best mark of his career.

The Dolphins are looking to make some progress in the 2024 campaign after taking first-round exits in two straight postseasons. A strong season from their offensive line would certainly help the cause, and it seems like the team is aware of that.