The Miami Dolphins haven’t been the most active team at the start of the new league year, signing veterans to their roster.
They’ve had a busier off-season, losing some of their key starters on both sides of the ball rather than adding them to their team. The signings general manager Chris Grier has made for the team haven’t been big. One signing was polarizing but for the wrong reasons.
In a desperate effort to rebuild the inefficient offensive line, the Dolphins re-signed guard Liam Eichenberg to a two-year deal. This move was immediately met with heavy criticism as he has shown in his four seasons playing for Miami that he can’t protect quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in the pocket.
Last season, Eichenberg allowed 29 pressures on the quarterback, three hits, and two sacks. Pro Football Focus gave Eichenberg an overall grade of 53.1 and a pass protection of 49.7.
Unless the Dolphins use their first and second-round picks on the offensive line, especially the interior, Eichenberg will be the starting left guard. Head coach Mike McDaniel appreciates having a veteran like Eichenberg back in the locker room, but he also understands the situation surrounding the team.
Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Kenny Clark (97) goes face to face with Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Liam Eichenberg (74).
Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin.
McDaniel spoke to Palm Beach Post’s Joe Schad on Monday, Mar. 31, to talk about the puzzling move to bring back Eichenberg, potentially as a starter. McDaniel responded to Eichenberg’s locker presence as a good thing but also acknowledged the lackluster play in the past. McDaniel gave a stern but fair assessment of how Eichenberg will have to earn his title as a starter this upcoming season.
“Liam has taken some bullets and some losses. But great teammate, added value, and we’re happy to have him on the Dolphins. And for him to be a starter, he’s gonna’ have to be his best version of himself that he’s ever been.”
McDaniel added that the offensive line is going to be a priority to address moving forward.
The Dolphins feel confident that newly signed James Daniels will be 100% healthy as one of the starting guards. They also feel confident with the development of center Aaron Brewer and are giving right tackle Austin Jackson more chances.
The biggest concern is with left tackle Terron Armstead, who suffered a torn ACL near the end of last season. The Dolphins are preparing for him to miss the entire 2025 season.
Miami must find reliable starters at left tackle and interior offensive line, even if that means battling Eichenberg for the starting spot. Eichenberg, however, has lost the benefit of the doubt as an automatic starter on the team. Eichenberg has to earn his title as the starter.
