The best guard in free agency is — for at least a few more weeks — currently on the Miami Dolphins roster.
But Robert Hunt — who is expected to fetch a long-term deal that pays him well over $10 million annually — will probably prove to be too expensive for the Dolphins to retain.
Yet, with zero starting interior offensive linemen currently under contract in 2024, they can’t lose Hunt without a strong plan to replace him. Certainly, the lineman-rich draft is an option.
Waiting that long, however, is risky. Which is why we expect the Dolphins to target guard at the start of the 2024 league year.
Here are the six guards not named Robert Hunt on PFN’s Top 100 list of free agents.
Potential Miami Dolphins Guard Targets in Free Agency
Kevin Dotson | Los Angeles Rams
- Age: 27
- Seasons: 4
- Last Contract: Four years, $5.9 million ($1.5 million AAV)
- Spotrac Estimated Market Value: Four years, $66 million ($15.5 million AAV)
- Overall Ranking: 33
- Position Ranking: 2
- Dallas Robinson’s Take: The Rams picked up Dotson in a preseason trade with the Steelers, swapping a pair of mid-round picks to acquire what LA probably hoped was another depth piece. But Dotson became much more than that. Previously a league-average guard, Dotson thrived in Sean McVay’s offense and could be on track for $15+ million on the open market. The Rams saw their offensive line fall apart in 2022 — they shouldn’t let Dotson get away.
- Adam Beasley’s Take: Yes, Dotson played great for Mike McDaniel’s buddy McVay, but if the Dolphins are willing to spend that kind of money to sign Dotson, they should just keep Hunt, who will probably come cheaper. There’s no way the Dolphins can pay Dotson that number and have a prayer of keeping defensive tackle Christian Wilkins.
Jonah Jackson | Detroit Lions
- Age: 27
- Seasons: 4
- Last Contract: Four years, $7 million ($1.8 million AAV)
- Overall Ranking: 50
- Position Ranking: 3
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- Dallas Robinson’s Take: Injury issues are a concern for Jackson, who missed nine games over the past two seasons. A Pro Bowler in 2021, Jackson has done enough to earn an extension from the Lions. However, Detroit has already extended left tackle Taylor Decker and center Frank Ragnow, while a new deal for right tackle Penei Sewell could be on the horizon.
- Adam Beasley’s Take: The Dolphins have rolled the dice with injured offensive linemen and have kept coming up with craps. Their projected five starting linemen in 2023 — Terron Armstead, Isaiah Wynn, Connor Williams, Robert Hunt, and Austin Jackson — played 56 of a possible 90 games (including the postseason). Chris Grier better do his homework before seriously considering Jackson.
Kevin Zeitler | Baltimore Ravens
- Age: 33
- Seasons: 12
- Last Contract: Three years, $22.5 million ($7.5 million AAV)
- Overall Ranking: 52
- Position Ranking: 4
- Robinson’s Take: After starting 181 career games in the NFL, Zeitler finally made his first Pro Bowl this year after completing his age-33 campaign. He didn’t show any signs of slowing down, especially in pass protection, and could be in line for another multi-year deal despite his age. Guards can play forever, and Zeitler is still among the league’s best.
- Beasley’s Take: Availability has not been a concern with Zeitler, who has missed just four games in the last five seasons. The Dolphins should be careful when any multi-year guarantees, considering his age, but he certainly would be an excellent bridge option to a younger generation of interior linemen. The Ravens ranked top three in rushing in each of his three seasons.
Ezra Cleveland | Jacksonville Jaguars
- Age: 25
- Seasons: 4
- Last Contract: Four years, $5.6 million ($1.4 million AAV)
- Overall Ranking: 58
- Position Ranking: 5
- Spotrac Estimated Market Value: Four years, $53.3 million ($13.3 million AAV)
- Robinson’s Take: Traded from the Vikings to the Jaguars at the deadline, Cleveland struggled upon his arrival in Jacksonville. He was injured at points, didn’t seem to mesh with the rest of the Jags’ offensive line, and even had to step in at left tackle briefly. But Cleveland was a solid starting left guard for Minnesota for several seasons and could be an affordable option for numerous clubs.
- Beasley’s Take: If you’re a team on a budget looking for an athletic interior lineman who can handle zone-blocking responsibilities, you could do a lot worse than Ezra, who could be a suitable replacement for Wynn on the left side. Another plus: Cleveland has been flagged for holding just twice in the last two seasons.
Dalton Risner | Minnesota Vikings
- Age: 28
- Seasons: 5
- Last Contract: One year, $2.9 million ($2.9 million AAV)
- Overall Ranking: 94
- Position Ranking: 6
- Robinson’s Take: Risner didn’t sign with the Vikings until September but eventually started 11 games at left guard. Minnesota’s four other offensive linemen will return in 2023, so the club might opt for continuity by re-upping Risner. Even if he doesn’t go back to the Vikings, it’s hard to imagine Risner’s unemployment will last as long this offseason as it did in 2023.
- Beasley’s Take: The Dolphins should have all the intel on Risner that they need. Dolphins offensive line coach Butch Barry was Risner’s position coach with the Broncos in 2022. Granted, that experiment didn’t go great (both were gone by 2023). But a change of scenario has done Barry well. Maybe Risner would likewise benefit from some sunshine.
John Simpson | Baltimore Ravens
- Age: 26
- Seasons: 4
- Last Contract: One year, $1 million ($1 million AAV)
- Overall Ranking: 97
- Position Ranking: 7
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- Robinson’s Take: A reserve/futures signing in January, Simpson became essential for a banged-up Ravens offensive line. While every other Baltimore lineman suffered an injury in 2023, Simpson started every game. He’s probably a league-average guard, but playing on a high-profile playoff team like the Ravens could have helped Simpson get paid this offseason.
- Beasley’s Take: Zeitler is, of course, the superior Ravens free agent guard, but Simpson is exactly the kind of cash-strapped player the Dolphins should target in this offseason of austerity. They could do worse than a Simpson vs. Liam Eichenberg training camp competition.
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