Tag: Connor Williams

Grading the Dolphins offensive linemen after their 2023 season

A look at Miami’s offensive linemen, and the year they had in 2023.

The Miami Dolphins finished their 2023 campaign with an 11-6 record and made the postseason for the second time in as many years under head coach Mike McDaniel. Unfortunately, it came to an end with a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the wild-card round.

While other teams are in the midst of their playoff run, it’s time to do some reflecting on the team in South Florida.

Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll be reviewing and evaluating different positions for the Dolphins in 2023. Today, we’ll look at the offensive linemen.

Ranking the 10 most important Dolphins free agents they should re-sign

10 pending free agents the Dolphins should consider bringing back.

The Miami Dolphins have 29 players on their current roster who are going to be free agents in 2024. Many of the pending free agents played major roles in the regular season and wild-card game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

With the season ending in major disappointment, general manager Chris Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel must look ahead to what the near future holds for the aqua and orange. The team has already been in the news with the departure of defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.

The new NFL calendar begins with free agency opening on March 13. This is a free agency that will contain massive decisions for the Dolphins on offense, defense and special teams.

Here are the top 10 most important pending free agents that the Dolphins should consider re-signing.

Could Cowboys bring in familiar face to replace Tyler Biadasz?

After leaving the Cowboys Connor Williams became one of the NFL’s best centers making him a possible upgrade for Dallas in 2024 free agency. | From @ReidDHanson

The Cowboys are expected to conduct a slight overhaul to their offensive line over the 2024 offseason. While the jury is still out regarding Tyron Smith’s future, many believe Tyler Biadasz’s days are done in Dallas.

A starter for the last three seasons, Biadasz has been a reliable fixture in Dallas. He’s played in 61 games since getting picked in the fourth round of the 2020 draft making him one of the Cowboys more successful Day 3 picks. But the four-year veteran had plateaued in his development and in 2023 was often seen as a weak link in the Cowboys ground game.

He’s well liked and plays with an edge, but he may have peaked and his going rate on the market isn’t going to be cheap. That surprise Pro Bowl bid he had in 2022 will likely drive up his value on the open market, even though he was a down-the-line replacement. Given those accolades, his excellent durability, game experience and age (26), Biadasz will likely command a significant deal in free agency.

The 2024 draft appears to have plenty of promising prospects for Dallas to consider, but as with all rookies, patience is required, and risk is assumed.

If the Cowboys don’t want to start over with a rookie and are willing to spend real money, they could find an upgrade to Biadasz hitting the market this March. And a former Cowboy lineman might be that upgrade.

6 Dolphins make PFF’s top 150 free agents for 2024

Miami has some of the best pending free agents in the league, according to PFF.

The Miami Dolphins have a ton of work to do prior to the start of the 2024 league year, and while they may currently be over the cap, they still have plenty of pending free agents that they may want to consider re-signing.

Pro Football Focus recently released their list of the top 150 free agents for 2024, and the Dolphins had six of their 29 pending free agents that made the cut.

Here’s a look at who they were and where they ranked on PFF’s list:

Centers that the Dolphins could sign to help replace Connor Williams

A few names outside the building that Miami could look at.

The Miami Dolphins lost to the Tennessee Titans on Monday night at Hard Rock Stadium in stunning fashion. However, the worse loss for the aqua and orange may have come from an injury.

During the contest, center Connor Williams suffered a torn ACL that will keep him out for the remainder of the year and could sideline him for the beginning of 2024 as well.

While Miami may look to their options that are already on the roster and practice squad (Liam Eichenberg, Lester Cotton and Alama Uluave), there are still some free agents that, as Mike McDaniel said, they could consider.

Here are a few names that are still on the market:

Mike McDaniel provides updates on a slew of injured Dolphins

Miami’s HC updated the media and fans on a number of injured Dolphins.

The Miami Dolphins have had some tough injury luck in recent weeks, and that didn’t stop during their Week 14 loss to the Tennessee Titans on Monday night at Hard Rock Stadium.

Mike McDaniel’s team lost a number of key players to injuries at different points in the contest, and while some made their way back onto the field, others were unable to return.

On Tuesday, McDaniel spoke to the media and provided many updates on his injured players.

Here’s what he had to say:

Dolphins C Connor Williams suffers torn ACL, will miss the rest of the season

Another tough blow for Miami.

The Miami Dolphins have been dealt three huge blows in three weeks, as players continue to suffer some serious injuries.

On Monday, Dolphins center Connor Williams suffered a knee injury that forced him to miss the remainder of the game. The following day, head coach Mike McDaniel announced that the center suffered a torn ACL and will miss the remainder of the season.

Williams, 26, was having a great season despite dealing with injuries throughout the year. Pro Football Focus graded him as the best center in football (86.5) through the first 14 weeks of 2023.

Now, Miami will have to turn to Liam Eichenberg, who has played every position on the offensive line in his tenure with the team. Undrafted rookie Alama Uluave is also on the practice squad.

McDaniel did say that there’s a chance that they sign a free agent center as well.

Williams is set to become a free agent at the end of the year.

Mike McDaniel provides updates on a quartet of injured Dolphins

McDaniel had some insight into the health of some injured players.

The Miami Dolphins improved to 5-1 on Sunday after defeating the Carolina Panthers 42-21 at Hard Rock Stadium.

While they’re ecstatic with the result, there’s no doubt that they’re frustrated with the injuries that the team has dealt with just six weeks into the season.

On Monday, the day after the win, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel addressed the media and was asked some questions about players dealing with injuries.

Here’s what he had to say:

Dolphins’ Mike McDaniel discusses monumental impact of Connor Williams’ return

The HC speaks highly of his center, who fought to play in Week 5.

Miami Dolphins center Connor Williams returned from injury for his team’s 31-16 victory over the New York Giants in Week 5 after suffering a groin injury against the Denver Broncos in Week 3 that forced him to miss the divisional battle last week against the Buffalo Bills.

Williams was listed as a limited participant in practice throughout the week and was questionable to play against the Giants. Not only did he play, but the Dolphins’ offensive line showed out against New York’s defense, as running backs Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane once again posted great numbers with the help of some strong run blocking.

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel was asked about the impact of Williams’ return to the lineup during the post-game press conference.

“He willed himself to play in this game,” McDaniel responded. “If you go by standard measurement of injury and timeline, he exceeded that.”

Miami came into the season with questions at the offensive line, and the injuries to Williams and Terron Armstead haven’t helped. Despite this, the Dolphins offense has remained explosive, averaging over 500 yards per game. They’ve actually made NFL history with the most yards through the first five games.

“(Williams) has really taken a step in his game,” continued Mike McDaniel. “One of the things he does really well, that we’re kind of spoiled with, is his ability to anchor the pocket. I think our interior line has done a really good job with that relative to any season that I’ve had.”

The Dolphins are now 4-0 with Williams in the lineup on the heels of a standout performance by the offensive line against the Giants. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was sacked just one time, which, incredibly, was their only offensive play that resulted in a loss of yards. There’s no weak link to this offense, as the unit is on pace to be compared to some of the greatest to ever touch the field.

Mike McDaniel provides update on group of injured Dolphins after Broncos game

Miami has a number of players dealing with injuries.

The Miami Dolphins had their best day in franchise history, as they set or tied a number of records that have been around for decades in a game that saw them beat the Denver Broncos 70-20.

While everyone is ecstatic with the win, and the manner in which they achieved it, Miami also had a number of key players suffer injuries throughout the contest.

They were also without one of their best offensive playmakers entering the game.

On Monday, following the win, head coach Mike McDaniel provided updates on a few injured Dolphins.