Dolphins’ New GM Jon-Eric Sullivan Faces Steep Climb Rebuilding Offensive Line
The Miami Dolphins are entering a new era under general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, and there’s no sugarcoating it-he’s walking into a full-blown rebuild. Nowhere is that more evident than along the offensive line, where the challenges are steep, the depth is thin, and the margin for error is razor-sharp.
Sullivan inherits a line that, to put it kindly, needs a total overhaul. Patrick Paul and Aaron Brewer are the only two linemen who look like locks to return, and even then, they’re more placeholders than foundational pieces.
Beyond them? Glaring holes at right tackle, both guard spots, and serious questions about the depth chart.
It’s not just a patch job-it’s a teardown and rebuild.
This isn’t a new problem for Miami. The offensive line has been a revolving door of inconsistency and misfires for nearly two decades.
And now, Sullivan’s task is to fix what former GM Chris Grier never could. The results of that era still linger, and the new regime is left to clean up the mess.
Jonah Savaiinaea and Austin Jackson: Loved in the Locker Room, Question Marks on the Field
Inside the building, Jonah Savaiinaea is respected. Teammates speak highly of his work ethic and attitude.
The same goes for Austin Jackson, who’s earned praise for his leadership. But football is a results business, and both players struggled to deliver consistent play on the field.
Savaiinaea, in particular, had a rough rookie season. By most metrics, he was one of the lowest-graded offensive linemen in the league.
Still, his contract structure makes cutting him financially unwise. A release would trigger more than $10 million in dead cap, so the Dolphins are likely to keep him around, at least for now.
The smart move? Slide him down the depth chart and let him develop without the pressure of starting every week.
Jackson’s situation is more fluid. Durability has been his Achilles’ heel, and while he’s flashed competence when healthy, those moments have been too few and far between.
There’s a real possibility he could be moved inside to guard, which might mask some of his limitations in pass protection. But that would open up yet another hole at right tackle-a position already in desperate need of attention.
There’s also the financial angle. If the Dolphins designate Jackson as a post-June 1 cut, they’d free up $11 million in cap space.
It’s a tempting option for a team that needs every dollar to reshape its roster. Other names-Tyreek Hill, Bradley Chubb, Tua Tagovailoa-could also be considered for similar cap maneuvers, depending on how aggressive Sullivan wants to be.
A Green Bay Blueprint in Miami?
Sullivan comes from a Packers organization that’s long been admired for its ability to draft and develop offensive linemen. Green Bay has a clear philosophy: target versatile players who can plug in at multiple positions. That approach could be exactly what Miami needs right now.
It’s not just about finding five starters-it’s about building a unit that can withstand injuries and adapt on the fly. Sullivan has already hinted that he’ll bring that same mindset to South Florida. But before he can start adding pieces, he needs to clear cap space and make some tough decisions on pending free agents.
Daniel Brunskill and Cole Strange are two names to watch. Both had moments last season where they looked like potential long-term answers, even if the overall unit struggled. Whether they’re re-signed will depend on how much Sullivan values continuity versus starting fresh.
On the flip side, it’s hard to envision a scenario where Larry Borom or Liam Eichenberg are back. With Grier no longer calling the shots, the Dolphins may be ready to move on from players who never quite lived up to expectations.
Beyond the Line: Roster Holes Everywhere
As daunting as the offensive line situation is, it’s only part of the puzzle. Miami has 34 players set to hit free agency, and only a handful are expected to return. Outside of the running back room, which remains a strength, every position group has question marks.
That means Sullivan and new head coach Jeff Hafley are staring down a full-scale roster retooling. The offensive line may be the most urgent issue, but it’s far from the only one.
Still, it all starts in the trenches. If the Dolphins can’t protect the quarterback or open up running lanes, it won’t matter who’s under center or how dynamic the skill players are.
Sullivan knows that. And if his Green Bay background is any indication, he’s ready to roll up his sleeves and build this thing the right way-from the inside out.
The road ahead won’t be easy, but with a clear vision and a disciplined approach, the Dolphins have a chance to finally fix a problem that’s plagued them for far too long.