Miami Dolphins
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The Dolphins are expected to keep Austin Jackson
This offseason, the Miami Dolphins have been reshaping their roster. New Dolphins general managerJon-Eric Sullivan said, “We needed to get younger and cheaper.” The Dolphins did just that as theyreleased 31-year-old All-Pro wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who was set to carry a $51 million cap hit in the 2026 season. Additionally, Miami released pass rusher Bradley Chubb, who will be 30 when next season starts, and would have had a cap hit of $31 million.
However, that does not mean every veteran on the team will be looking for a new home this offseason. Miami must figure out a way to balance long-term planning while also being able to field a respectable team in the 2026 season. Sullivan revealed that one player who had previously been considered a possible cut candidate is seemingly staying with the team.
Miami Dolphins Likely Retaining Austin Jackson
During his press conference ahead of the NFL Combine, general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan was asked about the possibility of releasing right tackle Austin Jackson, as he is set to carry a $15 million cap hit and could save the team $11 million if designated as a post-June 1 cut. However, Sullivan pushed back on the idea,saying, “When you look at our roster, we don’t have the flexibility to run people out the door right now.”
Regarding the possibility of Jackson leaving, Sports Illustrated’sAlain Poupart had previously said, “Jackson has been a solid starter at right tackle for Miami, but he’s also missed a combined 36 games over the past four seasons, including a combined 35 in the 2022, 2024 and 2025 seasons. Bottom line, it might be that the Dolphins simply can’t depend on him being able to go the distance. He would seem a logical candidate to be a post-June 1 cut, which would save Miami some $11 million against the cap, though it makes little sense in terms of the cap to release him otherwise.”
As Poupart mentioned, the primary issue with Jackson has been his lack of availability. When healthy, he’s provided Miami’s run game a boost. In the six games he played during the 2026 season, the Dolphins averaged 136.3 yards per game, a figure that would have placed them as the fourth-best rushing team in the NFL.
Austin Jackson’s Contract
While Jackson’s lack of availability is a legitimate issue, his contract is not among the top right tackles in the NFL. While his cap hit elevates from $5.7 million in 2025 to $15.4 million in 2026, his 2026 figure still ranks outside the top 10 for right tackles in the NFL. Jackson is set to be a free agent after the 2026 season after he previously signed athree-year extension in 2023.
Heading into the 2026 season, the Dolphins have question marks on the offensive line. Second-round draft pick Jonah Savaiinaea struggled heavily during the 2025 season at left guard, and free-agent addition James Daniels, who was the team’s starting right guard, suffered a season-ending injury three plays into the season which led to his release. However, with Jackson seemingly returning to the team, it is likely that Miami has three starters penciled in as Jackson will join Patrick Paul and Aaron Brewer on the offensive line.