Jon-Eric Sullivan is making it clear that his vision of what the Miami Dolphins will become is not what they have been for two decades.
After meeting with members of the media the last two days, Sullivan already sent one message to one of the worst linemen on his team. Now, he is making sure that the veterans know they are also on thin ice.
Sullivan said that there will be competition at right tackle this year. Austin Jackson has held that role for the last six seasons, but his inability to stay healthy has been a major problem. Something Sullivan has taken notice of.
Before this quote, Sullivan said Jonah Savaiinaea has to be more consistent.
— Marcel Louis-Jacques (@Marcel_LJ) March 30, 2026
Also said there’s questions on the right said — Dolphins are excited to get Austin Jackson back but “he’s got to stay healthy” and there will be a competition at right guard
Jon-Eric Sullivan just said what every Miami Dolphins fan already knows about Austin Jackson
There is no denying that Jackson is a better-than-average right tackle when he is on the field. He is a leader who is well respected in the offensive line room and in the locker room. After missing all but six games last season, eight games the year before, and 15 games in 2022, the writing has been on the wall.
Chris Grier extended his contract during the 2023 season. It wasn't a good deal for the Dolphins, and it didn't make much sense given his injury history.
"He's got to stay healthy"Jon-Eric Sullivan
Fans have been screaming this for years with Jackson. Entering this offseason, many wondered if he would make it through the coaching and GM change. Due to the salary implications, it was clear he was going to stick around for another season. That doesn't seem to be the case now.
If Sullivan is demanding competition and already acknowledges Jackson's health concerns, he is basically opening the door for his release after the 2026 season. Jackson restructured part of his contract this offseason, but the proverbial writing is now on the wall.
Jackson will count $6.8 million in salary cap space this year. Releasing him would accelerate another $19 million in dead money. The Dolphins added voided years to his deal, something Sullivan doesn't like to do since it kicks money down the road that they will eventually have to eat.
If Miami releases him after June 1st, they would eat more than $6 million with a minimal savings of just over $550,000. Next year, that dead money would drop to $5 million, but Miami would get $7.7 million back after June 1st. It seems increasingly likely that Jackson's future is a one-year contract.
Jackson has to have an incredible year to stick around beyond this season, and that, too, might not be enough. The Dolphins are expected to draft offensive line help, potentially as early as round one. That would provide insurance to the position, but also give the Dolphins the competition they are striving for.
In Green Bay, the Packers love to draft versatile linemen who can play inside or out. After saying the team will have competition at guard, the idea of drafting a guy that can start his career inside this year and then bounce outside makes a lot of sense.
Despite not saying Jackson is predestined to be released, it sounds like his playing future in Miami is definitely not a guarantee, maybe not even this season.