Away from the field, the Dolphins’ offensive line was apparently a mess last year, with three offensive linemen reportedly bullying a fourth to the point where he felt he needed to leave the team. On the field, the Dolphins’ offensive line may look a whole lot different this season.
In fact, the Dolphins may have to open the 2014 season with five new offensive linemen, as noted by Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald.
Two of the starting offensive linemen implicated as bullies in the Ted Wells report, guards Richie Incognito and John Jerry, are soon-to-be free agents who aren’t expected back. The third accused bully, center Mike Pouncey, may be suspended for the actions described in the report.
Jonathan Martin, the offensive tackle who had started 23 consecutive games before abruptly leaving the team last season, is also not expected to be back. Bryant McKinnie, who replaced Martin at left tackle last season, is a free agent. Tyson Clabo, who started 15 games at right tackle last season, is also a free agent. There’s a good chance that both McKinnie and Clabo will leave Miami in the offseason.
The Dolphins’ offensive line coach, Jim Turner, also may be fired for his role in the bullying of Martin. So Miami could be looking at a huge amount of turnover on the offensive line.
The only piece of good news for the Dolphins is that their offensive line wasn’t very good last year. Maybe the off-field problems will spur the Dolphins to on-field improvement.