The Miami Dolphins have 29 players set to hit free agency in March, and one of them has been the most consistent member of their offensive line since joining the team – right guard Robert Hunt.
Hunt, 27, was selected by the Dolphins in the second round of the 2020 NFL draft following a collegiate career at Louisiana that included two All-Sun Belt seasons.
As a rookie, Hunt began his time with the Dolphins at right tackle before settling in at right guard for the final three seasons of his entry-level contract.
According to Pro Football Focus, Hunt improved every year of his career, topping out at a 77.1 grade in 2023, making him the sixth-highest graded guard in the NFL.
Unfortunately for the former Ragin’ Cajun, he suffered his first significant injury of his career during his contract year. He had played every game possible prior to 2023 when he appeared in just 11 and started 10 due to a hamstring injury.
When Hunt’s on the field, he’s an above-average right guard, and he’s shown the ability to stay healthy for most of his career, so it seems a big payday is in his future. Considering Miami’s current cap situation, the two sides probably won’t be coming to a deal unless Hunt takes a significant discount compared to what he could get on the market.
The Dolphins have a treasure chest of draft picks this year, compared to the past couple, so they could certainly consider taking a guard in one of the early rounds and possibly replicate the success that Hunt has had in Miami. It’s not a guarantee, but it’s definitely easier to replace a guard than some of the other positions that the Dolphins could lose talent at.
Spotrac currently has Hunt’s projected market at $11.8 million annually, and that just seems like a number that would be too steep for general manager Chris Grier. If that’s the case, Miami should be looking elsewhere to fill the void.