Offensive Line Remains Dolphins’ Weak Spot — But All Is Not Lost

Offensive Line Remains Dolphins’ Weak Spot — But All Is Not Lost

As the Miami Dolphins enter the 2025 season, it’s hard to ignore a familiar storyline: our offensive line is our weakest link. Once again, it’s the biggest uncertainty facing the team. But this time, there’s a different energy surrounding the group—one that suggests things might finally be trending in the right direction, if a few key variables fall into place.

Outside the beginning of 2023, the offensive line has been the Achilles’ heel (no horribly bad pun intended) of an otherwise promising roster. While the Dolphins boast explosive playmakers on offense and a defense built to contend, it’s been the inconsistency and injuries up front that have too often kept this team from reaching its full potential. And now, heading into 2025, the pressure is on—because the success of this unit could very well determine the ceiling of the season.

The optimism begins with James Daniels, the veteran interior lineman who missed most of last year after suffering an Achilles injury. If he returns to form—and that’s a big “if”—Daniels could provide the kind of physical, reliable presence Miami desperately needs in the trenches. His leadership, experience, and versatility are invaluable, especially with so many question marks around him.

Then there’s Jonah Savaiinaea, the rookie out of Arizona, who has already turned heads during the early stages of training camp. Drafted for his size, strength, and toughness, Savaiinaea has the tools to hold his own right away. If he can adjust quickly to NFL speed and technique, he could stabilize one of the guard spots and give the Dolphins a long-term answer at a position that’s seen too much turnover in recent years.

Still, despite those reasons for hope, the offensive line remains a fragile foundation. The current projected starting five offers potential, but also plenty of uncertainty. There’s not much proven depth behind them either, and that’s where the concern truly sets in. One injury could unravel everything—and given the Dolphins’ recent history, that risk is very real.

That’s why the front office might need to act before the season kicks off. Whether it’s via trade, a late free-agent signing, or a savvy waiver-wire pickup, Miami needs one more quality depth piece on the offensive line. Not a developmental flier—an actual NFL-caliber player who can step in if needed and help keep the offense on schedule.

Because if that happens and if the team adds one more solid body to the mix… then the Dolphins might finally have an offensive line that doesn’t just survive, but actually supports and elevates the offense.