Is Lewan Leaking Dolphins Interest News?
The Miami Dolphins apparently are having exploratory conversations with a couple of veteran offensive tackles who are still shopping for new teams.
While consoling a disgruntled Mets and Dolphins fan at the Barstool offices, Taylor Lewan told him that “the Dolphins have called me” when asked by that fan if he’d had conversations with Miami.
“Does that make you feel better?” Lewan asked with his outstretched hands, which were preparing for a hug.
It would make sense for Miami to have exploratory talks with Lewan and his camp because it would be surprising if Miami were able to exit the 2023 NFL draft with a starting-caliber offensive lineman.
Many draft analysts expect a first-round run on the offensive line that could result in eight linemen being among the first 31 picks.
The Dolphins don’t possess a first-round pick because of the trade that secured Pro Bowl pass rusher Bradley Chubb, and the penalty they were given from the NFL for tampering with Sean Payton and Tom Brady while both were retired, or leaning toward it, last year.
DOLPHINS LOOKING AT OFFENSIVE TACKLES
Earlier this week, the Dolphins hosted Cam Fleming, but didn't sign him.
Fleming has played nine NFL seasons, including his first four with the New England Patriots and the last two with the Denver Broncos.
Last season, Fleming played under new Dolphins offensive line coach Butch Barry, starting 15 games for the Broncos. In his 2021 season with the Broncos, Fleming's head coach was new Dolphins defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.
Lewan, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, was cut by the Titans this offseason in a move intended to clear salary.
Lewan spent the majority of nine seasons anchoring one of the NFL’s best offensive lines in Tennessee.
He’s started 100 of the 105 games he’s played, but last year he was limited to 63 offensive snaps in two games because of an ACL tear he suffered in September. And he’s suffered two serious knee injuries over the past three seasons.
Not only is Lewan’s injury history and rehab something that needs to be scrutinized, he’s previously expressed an unwillingness to play anything but left tackle.
The Dolphins have Terron Armstead at left tackle and are looking to strengthen the left guard and right tackle spots because of the struggles Liam Eichenberg and Austin Jackson have had the past two seasons.
A conversation is normal, but we’ll probably know if Miami’s interest in Lewan is serious when/if he’s brought in for a visit and physical after the NFL draft concludes this weekend.
The Dolphins have four picks in the 2023 NFL draft, and unless Miami trades into the first round the best chance of upgrading the offensive line would be to use its second (pick No. 51) or third-round (No. 84) selection to add one.
