The Miami Dolphins prioritized quantity over quality this offseason, handing out cheaper short-term contracts to a dozen outside free agents. They did make one minor splash this offseason, signing offensive lineman James Daniels to a 3-year, $24 million contract.
Daniels, considered one of the top free-agent offensive linemen on the market, came at a relatively low cost compared to others. That's likely due to the season-ending torn Achilles injury he suffered last season. Recently, he provided reporters with a positive update on his Week One playing status.
According to David Furones of the Sun Sentinel, "Daniels said last season’s Achilles injury with Pittsburgh won’t have any impact on the coming season. He said he was fortunate it happened early in the 2024 season. Daniels said there’s no concern with his availability for training camp."
When healthy, Daniels can excel at multiple positions along the offensive line. He has recorded 84 starts in his seven-year career with the Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers.
This latest update is certainly encouraging for Dolphins fans. However, the offensive line as a whole remains a work in progress, with more questions than answers at this stage.
At left tackle, veteran Terron Armstead is likely to retire, and his probable replacement, 2024 second-round pick Patrick Paul, experienced an up-and-down rookie season. Meanwhile, right tackle Austin Jackson suffered a season-ending meniscus tear last season.
On the interior offensive line, starting center Aaron Brewer was a pleasant surprise last season, while Daniels is locked into one starting guard spot. However, even he's unsure if that's going to be on the right or left side. That might depend on who they select in the 2025 NFL Draft.
