One of the Dolphins’ biggest offseason investments hasn’t touched the field in weeks and a future in Miami should hinge on a successful return

Offensive guard James Daniels signed a three-year, $24 million contract in Miami this offseason. He's played three snaps against the Colts in Week 1. That's it. Daniels was the Dolphins' marquee free agent signing — a moderately large investment into the position group that was a big part in Miami's offensive collapse in 2024. But Daniels suffered a pec injury against the Colts on the opening series of the season and hasn't been seen since.

The players Miami has tabbed to play in his place? Kion Smith, Daniel Brunskill, and Cole Strange. It's been arguably worse than last season under the watch of Liam Eichenberg. Eichenberg, by the way, was brought back this season as well on a one-year deal and has not left the Physically Unable to Perform list since the start of training camp.

Miami Dolphins offensive line snap leaders through Week 7

1. Center Aaron Brewer - 396 snaps
2. Left tackle Patrick Paul - 396 snaps
3. Left guard Jonah Savaiinaea - 396 snaps
4. Swing tackle Larry Borom - 358 snaps
5. Backup guard Cole Strange - 230 snaps
6. Swing lineman Kion Smith - 138 snaps

The Dolphins, as I looked at last night, are in a position to offload a lot of contracts this offseason amid any possible regime change. Their maligned offensive line, ironically enough, is the one position group that has perhaps the best long-term stability. Patrick Paul and Jonah Savaiinaea are on rookie contracts. Aaron Brewer and Austin Jackson are under contract for 2026. And Daniels is under contract through 2027.

The health stability is something else entirely. Daniels has missed nearly the entire season. Jackson has missed six games. And both Daniels and Jackson missed most of 2024, as well.

So for James Daniels, who is in a position to collect more than $15.5 million in compensation in 2026 and 2027, his long-term stability would be greatly aided by a healthy return to action and a good performance in the back-half of 2025. Without a return to the field, a new football operation or head coach that comes into the season would look at Daniels as a player owed nearly $8 million and no guarantees due until March who would have played barely 200 snaps offensively in the last two seasons.

That's not a strong resume to stay in place. So keep an eye on this one. Will Daniels get back into the fray? And how does he do once he does. It could serve as an audition for 2026 and whoever is at the helm — because his contract doesn't necessitate a long-term commitment if he continues to miss time at an alarming rate.

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