Key member of 2023 Miami Dolphins unlikely to return to team, per his agent

For nine games last season, the Miami Dolphins had the luxury of sending offensive lineman Connor Williams out with their starting unit.

Unfortunately, the campaign turned into an injury-riddled one for the veteran, with knee surgery ultimately ending his season.

Now, Williams is a free agent, and he’s looking to find a home ahead of the 2024 season. According to agent Drew Rosenhaus, Williams is on track to be ready for the start of the season, but a return to the Dolphins isn’t particularly probable.

“On behalf of Connor, I’m sure he’d be open to it, but I wouldn’t say that it’s likely that he would return here with the Dolphins,” said Rosenhaus. “Certainly wouldn’t rule anything out, but the Dolphins did sign a fine center in Aaron Brewer from the Tennessee Titans and made a big investment. So, I think Connor, wherever he signs, it will be at center.”

As Rosenhaus mentioned, the Dolphins did add Brewer this offseason, a versatile offensive lineman who is expected to play at center for the team. That would indeed make it hard for Williams to return to Miami if his camp sees him playing center with his next squad.

Williams spent two seasons with the Dolphins and was able to stay on the field for all 17 games (plus a playoff game) in the 2022 season before his 2023 campaign unfolded differently. Earlier in his career, he was a regular starter for the Dallas Cowboys, who drafted him in the second round in 2018.

Now, the 27-year-old may end up playing for the third team of his NFL career, and he’ll certainly be motivated to prove this season that he’s still a quality lineman even after going through some major adversity.

As for the Dolphins, their offensive line has frequently been a talking point in recent years. They’re hoping that the unit will be sturdy enough this coming season to give players like Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle the help they need to be explosive and productive.

After making the playoffs in both of Williams’ seasons with the team, the Dolphins will now look to do it without him, it seems. A playoff bid this season would give Miami three in a row, and a playoff win would give the organization its first in over two decades.