Dolphins add one of top guards in free agency and a veteran tackle
The Dolphins addressed one of their biggest shortcomings on Monday evening, when they agreed to terms with veteran Steelers free agent guard James Daniels.
Miami also added Bears free agent Larry Borom, who has been primarily a tackle but can also play guard. The Dolphins are expected to give him work at both positions, with backup tackle potentially his main role.
Daniels, considered one of the top guards in this free agent class, received a three-year, $24 million deal from Miami, according to a source. The deal includes $10.7 million guaranteed.
Pro Football Focus rated him the No. 35 free agent overall in this class.
He sustained a torn Achilles in week 4 of last season but the Dolphins were satisfied after examining his medical tests on Monday afternoon. He’s expected to be able to resume football activities by May or June, according to a source. PFF graded him the NFL’s top interior lineman last season before his injury.
Daniels, 27, was drafted by the Bears in the second round out of Iowa in 2018.
He started 48 games in four years with Chicago and then signed a three-year, $26.5 million deal with Pittsburgh before the 2022 season. He started 17 games for the Steelers in 2022 and all 15 of his appearances in 2023 and four games last season before the injury.
Daniels, who was a right guard for Pittsburgh, is considered a good scheme fit for Miami. At 6-4 and 327 pounds, he’s considered a strong run blocker and generally reliable in pass protection. He allowed one sack in 105 pass blocking snaps last season before his injury.
Borom, meanwhile, started 8, 9, 6 and 4 games for Chicago over the past four seasons. At 6-5 and 333 pounds, Borom has primarily played tackle but also can play guard.
He was a fifth round pick out of Missouri in 2021.
He began last season on injured reserve and was activated Nov. 5, starting four of his eight appearances. He played 295 snaps at left tackle and 33 at right tackle last season.
But he allowed seven sacks in 237 pass blocking snaps last season and 20 sacks over the past four seasons.
The Dolphins’ three veteran guards from last year’s team -- Liam Eichenberg, Rob Jones and Isaiah Wynn -- all began the day as free agents. Jones agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $4.5 million with Dallas.
Veteran tackle Terron Armstead hasn’t decided if he’s playing in 2025, though he remains under contract. Veteran tackle Kendall Lamm is a free agent.
Daniels and Borom are the second and third outside free agents to commit to Miami; quarterback Zach Wilson was the first.
Players can sign with new teams beginning at 4 p.m. Wednesday.
This story was originally published March 10, 2025 at 9:32 PM.
