Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Dolphins Add Offensive Line Depth From Division Rival

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Andy Hageman | Last updated Jul 25, 2025 4:00 PM ET

The Miami Dolphins swooped in to claim towering offensive tackle Obinna Eze just two days after the New York Jets abruptly cut the 6-foot-8, 325-pound lineman. Miami announced the signing on Thursday, adding depth to their offensive line while the Jets watched a former practice squad stalwart land with an AFC East rival.

Eze's NFL journey reads like a roadmap of perseverance. The 27-year-old Nigerian native entered the league as an undrafted free agent with the Detroit Lions in 2022, bouncing between practice squads with Detroit, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and, most recently, the Jets. Despite three seasons in professional football, Eze has yet to record a single regular-season snap.

The massive tackle's college career spanned two programs, starting 31 games at Memphis before transferring to TCU for his final season in 2021. His unique backstory includes migrating from Lagos, Nigeria, to the United States in 2015, initially pursuing basketball before discovering football. His raw athleticism caught Detroit's attention, earning him the highest undrafted free agent contract in Lions history at $740,000.

Between his Jets tenure, Eze briefly signed with the Michigan Panthers of the USFL in December 2023, though he lasted only four days before New York came calling again. The whirlwind signing perfectly captured the unpredictable nature of fringe NFL careers.

Now in Miami, Eze faces another opportunity to finally break through after three years of near misses. The Dolphins need offensive line depth, and his towering frame offers intriguing potential for a coaching staff willing to develop raw talent. His journey from water-hauling teenager in Lagos to AFC East practice squad veteran represents the quintessential American dream narrative that makes professional sports compelling.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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