The Miami Dolphins are prepared to make a game-altering wager: $31 million on Teven Jenkins of the Chicago Bears to transform their offensive guard.
The Miami Dolphins’ bold move to wager $31 million on Teven Jenkins, the offensive guard from the Chicago Bears, is more than just a financial commitment—it’s a calculated gamble with the potential to redefine their offensive line and potentially alter the future of their franchise. This wager, which seems both audacious and calculated, signals the Dolphins’ belief that Jenkins can anchor their line, providing protection for their quarterback, and opening lanes for their running backs.
To understand the implications of this decision, it’s important to break down who Teven Jenkins is, why the Dolphins are willing to make such a bold financial commitment, and what this means for the future of the franchise. We will also delve into the wider context of NFL team-building decisions, how offensive lines play a crucial role in team success, and why the Dolphins’ decision could be a turning point in their pursuit of a Super Bowl.
Teven Jenkins: The Player at the Center of the Bet
Teven Jenkins, drafted in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears, was widely considered one of the top offensive line prospects in that year’s draft class. At 6’6″ and 317 pounds, Jenkins was heralded as a powerful, physical player with excellent technique and a mean streak that coaches love. His skills were honed during his college days at Oklahoma State, where he was a four-year starter and was recognized for his strength, explosiveness, and his ability to protect the quarterback while also excelling in the running game.
However, Jenkins’ transition to the NFL was not without challenges. In his rookie season, injuries and inconsistent play caused him to miss significant time, leading to concerns about his durability and ability to adjust to the speed of the NFL. Despite these setbacks, Jenkins showed flashes of the dominant player he was projected to be, showcasing his potential in a handful of games. Still, the Bears, in their desire to make their offensive line a focal point of their rebuild, decided to move on from Jenkins and look for a new direction.
This is where the Miami Dolphins see an opportunity.
The Dolphins’ Offseason Strategy
In recent years, the Miami Dolphins have been in a state of flux. While the team has shown promise with a dynamic quarterback in Tua Tagovailoa and a defense that has the potential to be among the league’s elite, their offensive line has been a consistent weak spot. For years, the Dolphins have struggled to keep Tagovailoa healthy, which has hindered their overall offensive production. Part of the issue lies in their inability to protect their quarterback, leading to a lack of consistency in the running game and struggles in the passing attack.
For Miami, finding a solution to this problem has become a top priority. General Manager Chris Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel understand that without a solid offensive line, the team will continue to face an uphill battle in a competitive AFC East, where teams like the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots have strong defensive units.
Teven Jenkins, despite his inconsistencies in Chicago, presents an intriguing option for the Dolphins. The Dolphins are banking on the idea that with the right coaching and system fit, Jenkins could emerge as a top-tier guard. The combination of Jenkins’ physicality and potential to develop under the guidance of Miami’s offensive line coach, along with the team’s emphasis on improving their front five, makes this wager an understandable risk.
The Financial Commitment: $31 Million
The financial aspect of this move—$31 million—is no small sum, and it’s essential to understand why the Dolphins are willing to make this bet. While Jenkins has shown potential, he is far from a finished product. His contract reflects a multi-year deal, and it’s clear that Miami is not just betting on Jenkins’ ability to perform in the short term but is also looking at his long-term potential.
From a financial standpoint, the Dolphins are placing Jenkins into a competitive market. Guards are among the least glamorous positions in football, but they are vital to a successful offensive scheme. High-level guards can make or break an offensive line, and the Dolphins’ willingness to spend big on Jenkins suggests that they believe his skill set will be a key factor in the future success of their offense.
$31 million for an offensive guard is a significant amount of money, particularly when compared to the typical salaries of guards in the NFL. The contract reflects Jenkins’ potential to be a key contributor to the Dolphins’ offensive line for the next several seasons. It’s also an acknowledgment of the fact that Miami is committing to him, not just as a one-season solution, but as a cornerstone of their offensive line for the foreseeable future.
What Teven Jenkins Brings to Miami’s Offensive Line
Jenkins’ primary attribute is his raw power. He possesses impressive strength, both in terms of his ability to drive defenders off the ball and to protect his quarterback from powerful defensive linemen. His run-blocking ability is an area where Jenkins has excelled, and Miami will likely look to take full advantage of his strength in this area. With a stable of running backs—including the explosive Raheem Mostert and the versatile Devin Achane—the Dolphins could look to build a potent rushing attack that compliments their aerial attack.
In addition to his run-blocking, Jenkins’ pass protection has been a work in progress. While his rookie year showed glimpses of potential, it was clear that Jenkins needed further refinement in his footwork and hand placement. However, Miami’s coaching staff has a strong track record of developing offensive linemen, and they will likely work on refining these aspects of his game to make him a more complete player.
The Dolphins have also made strides in their offensive scheme, which could suit Jenkins’ skill set. Miami’s offense under McDaniel is built on zone-blocking principles that emphasize agility and quick thinking in tight spaces. While Jenkins has more of a power-based style, his ability to move defenders with his strength could complement this scheme well. It’s clear that Miami is betting on Jenkins’ versatility and ability to adapt to their offensive system.
The Importance of Offensive Line Play in the NFL
Offensive line play is often underrated when it comes to football analysis, but the truth is that the line of scrimmage is where games are won and lost. A great offensive line can elevate a team’s quarterback play and provide the necessary protection to allow skill players to thrive. Conversely, a weak offensive line can doom even the most talented quarterbacks and skill players.
For the Dolphins, having a strong offensive line is crucial for several reasons. First, they need to keep Tua Tagovailoa healthy. Tagovailoa has dealt with concussion issues throughout his young career, and the Dolphins must do everything in their power to protect their quarterback. Secondly, the success of their running game will rely heavily on the offensive line’s ability to open holes and create lanes for their backs. And lastly, the Dolphins need to establish a sense of balance and consistency on offense, which will only be possible with strong line play.
Teven Jenkins represents the kind of player who could make a significant impact in all of these areas. His ability to control the line of scrimmage, open running lanes, and protect the quarterback could be the missing piece in the Dolphins’ offensive puzzle.
The Broader Impact of the Decision
If Jenkins performs to his potential, the ripple effect on the Dolphins’ offense could be substantial. With a solid offensive line, Tagovailoa will have more time in the pocket, allowing him to go through his progressions and make better decisions. In turn, the Dolphins’ offense could become more dynamic, as the team’s deep receiving corps, led by Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, would benefit from improved pass protection.
Moreover, an effective offensive line would give the Dolphins the flexibility to use their running backs in a more varied way, whether it’s through outside zone runs, power plays, or even play-action passes to keep defenses on their heels. Miami has the skill players to be a dangerous offense, but they need the offensive line to make it all come together.
In the grand scheme, this decision also sends a message to the rest of the league: the Dolphins are serious about contending for a Super Bowl. The financial commitment to Jenkins shows that they are willing to invest in their offensive line to make that happen. If Jenkins can live up to expectations, he could become the anchor of a much-improved line and help push the Dolphins to the next level.
A Gamble That Could Pay Off
The Miami Dolphins’ decision to wager $31 million on Teven Jenkins is a bold and calculated move. It reflects a clear understanding of the importance of offensive line play in the modern NFL and an awareness of the need to protect their quarterback while establishing a more balanced and dynamic offense. While the financial commitment is substantial, it also carries the potential for a high reward.
If Jenkins can meet the expectations placed upon him, the Dolphins could see a transformed offensive line that unlocks the full potential of their explosive skill players. In the end, this wager on Jenkins could be the piece of the puzzle that finally pushes the Dolphins into Super Bowl contention.