As expected, Isaiah Wynn has departed the Patriots in free agency, but he will still be in the AFC East next season. The veteran tackle has signed a one-year deal with the Dolphins, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL Network (Twitter link).
A 2018 first-round pick, Wynn didn’t make his New England debut until the following season. Injuries have been a constant in much of his career, which has seen him play in 43 games (40 starts) with the Patriots. Primarily a left tackle for three seasons, he has seen time at guard and operated as a right tackle in 2022.
The 27-year-old saw his stock drop considerably last season, however, finding himself being benched midway through the campaign. He was mentioned in trade talks leading up to the deadline, but no teams elected to add him as depth for the stretch run. Wynn was charged with nine penalties committed and four sacks allowed by PFF in nine games played last season, leading to a career-worst grade of 54.6.
The Georgia alum made $10.4M on the fifth-year option last season, but this Dolphins pact will surely come in at a much lower rate. Wynn—a native of St. Petersburg, Florida—will give Miami experienced depth on the right side of their offensive line, a unit that has remained a work in progress this offseason. Austin Jackson is in line to start at right tackle, despite his fifth-round option being declined.
Wynn will look to compete for the RT role (which involves protecting the blindside for left-handed quarterback Tua Tagovailoa) during training camp. Neither he nor Jackson is under contract beyond 2023, but the pair will provide options for a unit tasked with better protecting Tagovailoa moving forward. The Dolphins had previously made only one addition to their offensive line in free agency (Dan Feeney), but this deal could include upside if Wynn can stay healthy and play to his potential. At a minimum, their offensive front will be deeper this season at the tackle spot.
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