Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel has said the team is not done adding depth on the offensive line, and the team’s actions seem to back up that notion.
The Dolphins had veteran free-agent tackle Cameron Fleming over on a visit, according to ESPN.
Fleming, who turns 31 in September, has 61 career starts, including 15 last season for the Denver Broncos, which had new Dolphins offensive line coach Butch Barry leading the unit in 2022. A former 2014 fourth-round pick of the New England Patriots, he also has spent time with the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys.
Miami has not re-signed right tackle Brandon Shell, who was serviceable in backup duty last season, starting for the injured Austin Jackson. While Jackson was deemed the starting right tackle for 2023 by general manager Chris Grier last week, the Dolphins need competition and depth at tackle. Pro Bowl left tackle Terron Armstead is also often battling injury.
“We have some ideas and thoughts of players that are still out there,” McDaniel said in late March at the NFL annual meeting. “We’re taking our time with the market and seeing how that plays out, and there’s some stuff we have in thoughts of the draft. But of course, that will be addressed.
“Obviously, from last season, depth can and will be tested, but you’re trying to do it within the framework of what’s the best and all your needs of your team and what you can manage as a coaching staff and what you need to outsource with additions of players that can’t be coach-driven.”
McDaniel said the team wasn’t looking to spend big money on the tackle position in the first wave of free agency. The Dolphins’ biggest offseason roster move came in the acquisition of Rams star cornerback Jalen Ramsey via trade.
Miami, which signed interior offensive lineman Dan Feeney in free agency, also could be in line to draft an offensive lineman with one of its four picks in this week’s draft.
The Dolphins will have $13.6 million in salary cap relief that will become available after June 1 due to the designation of former cornerback Byron Jones’ release.
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