Another Domino Falls: Miami Dolphins Release Guard James Daniels in Ongoing Roster Overhaul
The Miami Dolphins continued their aggressive offseason restructuring Monday by releasing veteran guard James Daniels. The move comes amid a flurry of activity that has seen the departure of several high profile players, including edge rusher Bradley Chubb and star receiver Tyreek Hill, signaling a significant shift in the franchise’s direction under the current front office.
For Daniels, the release marks the end of a brief and unfortunate tenure in Miami. Signed to a three year, $24 million contract just last offseason, the 28 year old arrived with high expectations. He was brought in to stabilize an offensive line that had been a persistent weak point for the Dolphins. However, his time on the field was cut drastically short. Daniels played just three snaps in the 2025 season opener before suffering a pectoral injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the year.
A Signing That Never Panned Out
The decision to move on from Daniels is rooted in both financial strategy and the reality of his injury plagued season. According to reports from Tom Pelissero of NFL Media, releasing Daniels allows the Dolphins to save approximately $6.5 million against the cap in 2027, though different sources offer varying figures on the immediate cap implications depending on how the cut is designated. Regardless of the exact numbers, the move clears salary space for a team clearly looking to reset its financial commitments.
There is a palpable sense of disappointment surrounding how Daniels’ time in Miami unfolded. When he was signed, it was seen as a prudent move to bolster the interior line with a player who had logged 84 career starts with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Chicago Bears. He was a veteran presence meant to provide reliability. Instead, his season ended almost before it began.
The human element of this business is often stark, and Daniels’ situation is a prime example. He worked to return from an Achilles injury the prior season, only to have his fresh start with a new team derailed by a completely different, severe injury. Former head coach Mike McDaniel had initially expressed optimism about Daniels returning during the season, but those hopes faded as the weeks wore on without his activation from injured reserve. Now, Daniels finds himself looking for work again, his potential impact in Miami left entirely to the imagination.
Financial Implications and Roster Gaps
This transaction is part of a larger purge designed to open up significant cap space. By parting ways with Daniels, along with Chubb, Hill and receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, the Dolphins are clearing the decks. Reports indicate these combined moves could open up around $45 million in cap space.
However, the departure of Daniels leaves a glaring hole at the right guard position. The offensive line struggles were evident after his injury, as the team cycled through replacements like Kion Smith, Daniel Brunskill and Cole Strange with mixed results. With rookie Jonah Savaiinaea struggling on the left side, the Dolphins now face a familiar problem: a desperate need for capable bodies in the trenches.
The front office will now have to navigate free agency and the draft to rebuild a line that is critical for the success of their offense. With limited remaining resources and a clear mandate to get younger and cheaper, finding a starter of Daniels’ caliber without paying a premium will be a significant challenge.
What’s Next for James Daniels?
For James Daniels, the future remains uncertain but not bleak. At 28 years old, he is still young enough to have several productive years ahead of him, provided he can prove he is fully healthy. Offensive linemen with his starting experience are a valuable commodity in the NFL.
Teams around the league are always in need of interior protection, and Daniels has a track record of solid play prior to his recent string of injuries. He will likely find interest on the open market, perhaps on a one year “prove it” deal that allows him to reestablish his value. The frustration of his lost season in Miami will likely fuel his motivation to show that he can still perform at a high level.
The Dolphins, meanwhile, move forward into an uncertain future. The release of Daniels is just one piece of a complex puzzle as they attempt to reshape their identity. It is a reminder of how quickly fortunes change in the NFL, where a marquee signing one year can become a cap casualty the next. For fans, it is another goodbye in an offseason full of them, as the team turns the page to a new chapter.
