The Miami Dolphins entered the 2025 offseason with a number of roster questions that required careful consideration, but perhaps the most pressing concern was the state of their offensive line. While the Dolphins have made impressive strides in recent seasons, including assembling one of the most dynamic offenses in the NFL, their offensive line has remained a persistent source of instability. As the team looks to build on its success in 2025, addressing the offensive line remains the most critical task facing the organization. With so many unknowns surrounding the offensive line, the Dolphins must find a way to solidify the unit and give Tua Tagovailoa the protection he needs to thrive.
The Offensive Line Struggles in 2024: A Season of Inconsistency
Before diving into what needs to be done in the 2025 offseason, it’s important to look back at how the offensive line performed in 2024. The Dolphins, despite their explosive passing game led by Tagovailoa and playmakers like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, struggled to find consistency in the trenches. Miami’s offensive line had its moments of success but was also plagued by periods of poor pass protection and struggles in the run game.
The lack of stability in the offensive line was most apparent in key matchups, particularly against some of the more elite defenses in the league. While the Dolphins had an electric offense, their inability to consistently protect Tagovailoa led to him taking hits, being sacked too often, and sometimes forcing plays in uncomfortable situations. Tagovailoa’s durability has always been a concern, and the offensive line struggles only exacerbated those worries.
In addition, Miami’s run game never fully clicked in 2024. Despite the presence of Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane, the running backs often found themselves facing defenders in the backfield before they could gain any traction. This lack of a solid running game put even more pressure on Tagovailoa and the passing attack to carry the team. If the offensive line can’t protect the quarterback or open up running lanes, it limits the team’s offensive potential and exposes them to unnecessary risks.
Key Offensive Line Questions Heading Into 2025
As the 2025 offseason begins, the Dolphins are left with several significant questions regarding their offensive line. These questions will determine the direction of the team’s roster moves and will be pivotal in the franchise’s quest to become a true contender.
1. What to Do With Austin Jackson?
One of the more intriguing questions surrounding the Dolphins’ offensive line is what to do with Austin Jackson, the team’s former first-round pick. Jackson, who has shown flashes of potential, has struggled with consistency and has yet to develop into the franchise left tackle the Dolphins envisioned when they drafted him in 2020.
Jackson’s performance has been up-and-down over the years, and his inability to consistently protect the blindside of Tua Tagovailoa has left the Dolphins in a tough spot. While he has the physical tools to succeed, including athleticism and length, his technical skills—particularly in pass protection—have been inconsistent.
Heading into the 2025 offseason, the Dolphins need to decide whether to continue to develop Jackson as their left tackle or look for a replacement. If the Dolphins decide to move on from Jackson, they will likely need to invest heavily in a new left tackle, either through free agency or the draft. However, if they stick with Jackson, they will need to address his development, possibly bringing in a veteran to mentor him or shifting his role to another position on the line, such as right tackle or guard, where he may be more effective.
2. Is Robert Hunt the Long-Term Solution at Right Guard?
Robert Hunt has been one of the few bright spots on the Dolphins’ offensive line over the past couple of seasons. After being drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Hunt has emerged as one of Miami’s most consistent linemen. Originally drafted as a tackle, Hunt transitioned to right guard in 2021 and has found success in the role.
However, as the Dolphins look to build a more dominant offensive line, they will need to ask themselves whether Hunt is the long-term answer at guard or if he should be moved back to tackle. Miami’s offensive line has struggled to establish stability, and Hunt’s versatility—while valuable—could be both a blessing and a curse. While he has performed well at guard, his ability to play tackle at a high level could make him more valuable at a different position, depending on how the Dolphins address other areas of the line.
Hunt’s future with the Dolphins could depend on how the team addresses other needs on the line. If the Dolphins invest in a high-caliber right tackle or left tackle, they may opt to keep Hunt at guard, where he has been most effective. But if the Dolphins need to upgrade at guard, there’s a chance that Hunt could be moved back to tackle, where he might be a better fit in the long run.
3. The Center Position: Is Connor Williams the Answer?
Connor Williams has been the starting center for the Dolphins since 2022, but there are ongoing questions about his ability to consistently anchor the offensive line. While Williams is a capable player and has had some strong moments, there are still concerns about his ability to handle elite defensive tackles and maintain consistency in both the run and pass game.
One of the biggest challenges facing Williams is his ability to snap the ball cleanly and communicate effectively with Tua Tagovailoa. While the Dolphins’ offensive line has had ups and downs, the center position is particularly important because it’s the hub of the line, and Williams has had occasional struggles with snapping and pass protection, leading to unforced errors.
If the Dolphins are serious about improving their offensive line, they may want to explore upgrading the center position in the offseason. This could involve signing a more experienced veteran or drafting a center to compete with Williams for the starting job. While Williams is not a liability by any means, improving the center spot could help stabilize the entire line and provide better protection for Tagovailoa.
4. How to Fix the Left Guard Spot?
Left guard has been a revolving door for the Dolphins over the past few seasons. Miami has struggled to find a consistent and reliable starter at the position, with several players filling in at the spot. While players like Liam Eichenberg and Solomon Kindley have gotten opportunities to start, neither has fully locked down the job, leading to inconsistency on the left side of the line.
For the Dolphins to make a leap into contention in 2025, they need to stabilize the left guard position. Miami could choose to invest in a proven free agent to fill the spot, or they could use the draft to select a player with high upside who can contribute immediately. Regardless of how the Dolphins choose to address the issue, finding a long-term solution at left guard is crucial for improving the overall performance of the offensive line.
5. Depth and Rotation: Can the Dolphins Improve Their Offensive Line Depth?
Another issue the Dolphins will need to address is the depth of their offensive line. Over the years, Miami has struggled with injuries on the offensive line, and their lack of quality depth has often been exposed when starters have been sidelined. In the 2025 offseason, the Dolphins need to look at ways to add quality depth pieces who can step in and play if injuries strike.
Miami can use a mix of veterans and young players to bolster the depth on the line. Whether it’s signing a few reliable backups in free agency or drafting a player with the potential to develop into a starter, improving the offensive line depth should be a priority. With the Dolphins aiming for a playoff berth and beyond in 2025, they cannot afford to be thin in such a critical position group.
The 2025 Offseason Strategy: Potential Moves for the Dolphins
So, how can the Dolphins approach the 2025 offseason to fix their offensive line? Here are a few potential strategies:
1. Target a Proven Left Tackle in Free Agency or Trade
Miami has been searching for a reliable left tackle for years, and 2025 could be the year they finally address this need. Whether it’s by signing a proven veteran in free agency or exploring a trade for a top-tier left tackle, the Dolphins must find a solution for the blindside. Players like Orlando Brown Jr. (if available) or Trent Williams (in a trade) could be ideal fits to solidify the left tackle position and give Tua Tagovailoa better protection.
2. Draft a Center or Guard with High Upside
With the center position still in question, the Dolphins should look at drafting a center or guard in the first or second round. There are several highly regarded offensive line prospects in the 2025 draft, and selecting a player who can start immediately would be a game-changer. A strong draft class could give the Dolphins the ability to add a difference-maker who can contribute right away.
3. Develop Austin Jackson or Move Him to Right Tackle
If the Dolphins don’t make a move for a starting left tackle in free agency or the draft, they should focus on developing Austin Jackson into a reliable starter. Whether they give him another shot at left tackle or move him to right tackle, Jackson’s development will be crucial in solidifying the offensive line for the long term.
4. Improve Depth through Free Agency
Adding depth is crucial, especially if the Dolphins want to ensure they have the necessary backups in case of injury. Signing a couple of veteran offensive linemen to one- or two-year deals can provide immediate help while also allowing the team to develop younger talent.
The Dolphins’ Path Forward
The 2025 offseason is a crucial one for the Miami Dolphins, as they look to address their offensive line and continue their push for contention. With key questions at left tackle, right guard, and center, Miami must make the right moves in free agency and the draft to solidify their offensive front. If the Dolphins can provide better protection for Tua Tagovailoa and improve their run-blocking, they will be poised to take the next step and compete at a higher level in the AFC.