Miami Dolphins finalize underrated free agent signing that could change complexion of one of team's biggest question marks

Brunskill will play this season as a 31 year old offensive lineman with experience at several spots along the offensive line. He first entered the NFL out of San Diego State in 2017 as an undrafted free agent with the Atlanta Falcons. He got his first taste of NFL playing time in San Francisco in 2019, joining Kyle Shanahan & Mike McDaniel while proving himself as a good fit for the team's wide-zone oriented scheme. 

In the years that have passed since, Brunskill has logged snaps at all five positions on the offensive line, including triple digit snaps at four positions and four figures of snaps at both center (1,032 snaps) and right guard (3,300 snaps) while playing for the 49ers and, the past two years, the Tennessee Titans. 

Brunskill's addition does coincide with the placement of fifth-year offensive lineman Liam Eichenberg on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Eichenberg can be cleared at any point and still counts against the team's active roster, but between his struggles with playing time in recent years and Brunskill's experience within the system, there could be an opportunity for the newly signed veteran to fast-track a path to becoming the essential flex player for the Dolphins' offensive line in 2025. 

There are fair questions about the offensive tackles. Second-year tackle Patrick Paul has massive shoes to fill amid the retirement of Terron Armstead and right tackle Austin Jackson has proven himself to be an effective scheme fit — when he's on the field. He missed the second half of 2024 with a knee injury. But the additions of James Daniels, Jonah Savaiinaea and now Daniel Brunskill on the interior serve as what should be a significant upgrade from the combination of Eichenberg and Robert Jones, who commanded nearly 100% of the team's guard snaps last season. 

With Brunskill's ability to play all five spots in a pinch and the presence of free agent signing Larry Borom, who has also played guard and tackle during his career, the domino effect on the Dolphins' offensive line could have the unit as the most sturdy version that Miami has fielded in quite some time. 

What a welcomed addition that would be for a team whose quarterback needs extra considerations in protection due to an extensive injury history. Many Dolphins fans reflexively flinched when the team brought back Eichenberg in free agency this spring. But this move could potentially cap Eichenberg as the eighth offensive lineman on the depth chart at best if Brunskill performs to his standard — which is a great indicator for how this offensive line forecast is trending with camp opening this week.