The Miami Dolphins have long struggled with their offensive line, a problem that's been haunting them since the days of Richie Incognito. It's been a tough road, with Chris Grier's past attempts not quite hitting the mark, and it's impacted not just the team's performance but also their quarterback's development.
Enter new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan. Fans are hopeful he can turn things around, but 2026 might not be the year all their problems are solved.
With limited cap space and significant needs throughout the roster, the Dolphins are banking on player health and the growth of Jonah Savaiinaea. They've also added a new face to the line: Jamaree Salyer.
Salyer, formerly with the Chargers, brings starting experience to Miami. Drafted in the sixth round, he made an immediate impact by starting 14 games in his rookie year and all 17 games the next season.
However, his momentum slowed in 2024, with only four starts despite being available for every game. In 2025, he started five games and played in 13, with his snap counts at 32% and 52% over the last two seasons.
One concern is his penalty count. Last season, he was flagged six times, a jump from eight penalties over the previous three years. But what makes Salyer valuable is his versatility-a trait Sullivan values, reminiscent of the Packers' approach to versatile linemen.
According to Chargers insider Jason Reed, Salyer consistently exceeded expectations. He stepped up as a starting left tackle when Rashawn Slater was injured and proved to be a reliable depth piece. Despite not getting a full-time starting role, he remained a key player who improved any lineup he joined.
Salyer is primarily a right guard, though he has experience at right tackle, making him a flexible option for Miami. He'll likely compete for a starting guard position, adding much-needed depth to the Dolphins' line.
Currently, Miami's offensive line is solid in three out of five positions, with Aaron Brewer and Patrick Paul leading the charge. However, the right side remains a question mark, especially with Austin Jackson's health issues.
Inside, the situation is less stable. Savaiinaea needs to develop quickly, or he risks being cut.
The guard position is still up in the air, with Braeden Daniels, Josh Priebe, and Kion Smith also in the mix.
Dolphins fans should expect more signings like Salyer's this offseason, with a focus on the upcoming draft to address the team's weaknesses. While Salyer's addition is a positive move, it doesn't entirely solve the uncertainty surrounding the offensive line. But it's a step in the right direction, and with Sullivan at the helm, there's hope for progress.