In the quest to fill the void left by Robert Hunt’s departure in free agency, the Miami Dolphins find themselves in need of an impactful addition to their offensive line. Operating with limited cap space, the team is exploring cost-effective solutions, with their sights set on acquiring former Chicago Bears guard Cody Whitehair.
According to Nick Pedone of Pro Football Network, the Dolphins are predicted to secure Whitehair on a budget-friendly deal. The 31-year-old offensive guard, who spent eight successful seasons with the Bears, remains available in the free agent market.
After the loss of Hunt, who secured a lucrative contract with the Carolina Panthers, the Dolphins opted to invest in Brewer, the former Tennessee Titans center. At present, Robert Jones is projected as the starting left guard and right guard on Miami’s depth chart. However, it’s clear that duplicating Jones’ presence is an impossible task. This is where Whitehair’s dependability and experience come into play, making him an attractive and affordable option for the Dolphins.
While the Bears decided to part ways with Whitehair as they embark on a new direction, his skill set aligns well with Miami’s veteran-laden roster, making him an ideal addition to bolster their offensive line.
What Whitehair Would Bring to the Dolphins
Whitehair had an impressive streak of starting in 117 consecutive games for the Chicago Bears, which unfortunately came to an end during the 2023 season. His performance declined last year, leading to his benching. According to Pro Football Focus, he ranked 76th out of 80 qualifiers. However, it’s worth noting that Whitehair had shown strong performances in his earlier years, earning top 10 grades in three of his first five seasons, including 2020. In the 2023 season, he played 787 snaps and ranked 46th, allowing three sacks and committing two penalties.
Despite a dip in production, Whitehair maintained an average grade of 65.9 in 2022. If he can reach that level again, he would provide much-needed depth and flexibility for the Miami Dolphins, who struggled with injuries on both sides of the ball last year. The presence of a veteran like Whitehair, ready to contribute when needed, would be highly beneficial for the team.
Russell Baxter of Phin Phanatic has suggested that the Dolphins should consider signing Whitehair immediately. Baxter highlights the value of Whitehair’s versatility, as he has experience playing both guard and center since being drafted by the Chicago Bears in 2016. This versatility adds an additional appeal for the Dolphins, who could leverage his skills to strengthen their offensive line.
Dolphins Have Made Smart Offseason Moves
Despite facing the loss of players like Christian Wilkins, the Miami Dolphins have had an impressive offseason, strategically addressing their needs through acquisitions such as Jordan Poyer, Shaquil Barrett, Jordyn Brooks, Kendall Fuller, Aaron Brewer, and others. These moves have fortified the team, but their pursuit of improvement is far from over, as evidenced by their successful 2023 season. It is highly likely that the Dolphins will continue to make additional moves to further enhance their roster.
The Dolphins have shown a clear interest in acquiring veteran players, making Cody Whitehair an excellent fit for their team. As a buy-low candidate, Whitehair presents an opportunity for the Dolphins to add a player with potential at a reasonable cost. Despite limited financial resources, the addition of Whitehair could prove to be a pleasant surprise, contributing positively to a team that is focused on maximizing their roster’s potential.
