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PALM BEACH ― Why did the Miami Dolphins re-sign guard Liam Eichenberg?
It's a question many Dolphins fans have asked since it happened. And coach Mike McDaniel explained what's going on at the NFL owners' meetings at The Breakers on Monday.
"Liam has taken some bullets and some losses," McDaniel said. "But great teammate, added value, and we're happy to have him on the Dolphins. And for him to be a starter, he's gonna' have to be his best version of himself that he's ever been."
McDaniel noted that free agency and the NFL draft are not complete.
What this tells us is that, no, Eichenberg is not guaranteed a starting guard position opposite free agent addition James Daniels.
Eichenberg's contract - $2.2 million with a cap hit of only $1.3 million due to a salary cap loophole - is more indicative of a depth guard/center.
Still, some Dolphins fans, aware that Eichenberg has not lived up to his draft status and has generally struggled too often, have targeted the Notre Dame product in their online outrage.
"We have the opportunity to create some more competition at a higher level than we've had in years past with that position," McDaniel said of guard. "It's a priority for us."
Look, it is certainly quite possible the Dolphins add another veteran guard in free agency who would be favored to start over Eichenberg.
It's certainly quote possible the Dolphins draft Will Campbell, Armand Membou, Kelvin Banks or another guard or guard/tackle in Rounds 1 or 2 and they are favored to start at guard.
There is a certain symbolism of Eichenberg's return that angers some fans.
But the Dolphins obviously believe that at that price point, Eichenberg provided excellent value.
Eichenberg has experience in the system. And he played through several shoulder injuries last season that would have sidelined many players.
In general, McDaniel understands fan frustration. He appreciates it, actually.
"I think I think overall it's the nature of sport that is you love an is emotionally draining at the same time," McDaniel said. "I think they, the fans, want myself, (general manager) Chris Grier, they want us to be right, ultimately."
Again, Dolphins fans should not panic.
Eichenberg was not re-signed with the intent of being an unquestioned starter.
"Liam Eichenberg is well aware that through the different avenues of the remaining free agency and draft, that if Liam Eichenberg is starting next year, he's going to have to be the best player he's ever been," McDaniel said. "And that will be great news for all. But we see an opportunity right in front of us to improve. And that's going to be competition. And I think Liam is very comfortable with the fact."
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Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Dolphins' Liam Eichenberg is back and Mike McDaniel illuminates why
Continue reading...
It's a question many Dolphins fans have asked since it happened. And coach Mike McDaniel explained what's going on at the NFL owners' meetings at The Breakers on Monday.
"Liam has taken some bullets and some losses," McDaniel said. "But great teammate, added value, and we're happy to have him on the Dolphins. And for him to be a starter, he's gonna' have to be his best version of himself that he's ever been."
McDaniel noted that free agency and the NFL draft are not complete.
What this tells us is that, no, Eichenberg is not guaranteed a starting guard position opposite free agent addition James Daniels.
Eichenberg's contract - $2.2 million with a cap hit of only $1.3 million due to a salary cap loophole - is more indicative of a depth guard/center.
Still, some Dolphins fans, aware that Eichenberg has not lived up to his draft status and has generally struggled too often, have targeted the Notre Dame product in their online outrage.
Miami Dolphins' Liam Eichenberg not guaranteed starter
"We have the opportunity to create some more competition at a higher level than we've had in years past with that position," McDaniel said of guard. "It's a priority for us."
Look, it is certainly quite possible the Dolphins add another veteran guard in free agency who would be favored to start over Eichenberg.
It's certainly quote possible the Dolphins draft Will Campbell, Armand Membou, Kelvin Banks or another guard or guard/tackle in Rounds 1 or 2 and they are favored to start at guard.
There is a certain symbolism of Eichenberg's return that angers some fans.
But the Dolphins obviously believe that at that price point, Eichenberg provided excellent value.
Eichenberg has experience in the system. And he played through several shoulder injuries last season that would have sidelined many players.
In general, McDaniel understands fan frustration. He appreciates it, actually.
"I think I think overall it's the nature of sport that is you love an is emotionally draining at the same time," McDaniel said. "I think they, the fans, want myself, (general manager) Chris Grier, they want us to be right, ultimately."
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Miami Dolphins free agency: filling more needs possible
Again, Dolphins fans should not panic.
Eichenberg was not re-signed with the intent of being an unquestioned starter.
"Liam Eichenberg is well aware that through the different avenues of the remaining free agency and draft, that if Liam Eichenberg is starting next year, he's going to have to be the best player he's ever been," McDaniel said. "And that will be great news for all. But we see an opportunity right in front of us to improve. And that's going to be competition. And I think Liam is very comfortable with the fact."
Mike McDaniel: Reveals why he has confidence in QB Zach Wilson's future
Hot seat? Dolphins' Mike McDaniel: Put me on the Nick Sirianni hot seat, please
No More Push: Tush Push ban on agenda at NFL meetings. It's time to get rid of this play | Schad
Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Dolphins' Liam Eichenberg is back and Mike McDaniel illuminates why
Continue reading...
