Lions Sign Former Dolphins Player to $2.5M Free-Agency Deal
The Miami Dolphins are currently in a rebuilding phase after missing the playoffs in consecutive seasons. Decisions made by previous management—particularly handing out large contract extensions—have left the team dealing with a difficult salary cap situation.
One move that now appears costly is the 2024 extension for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. After ultimately releasing the former Pro Bowl signal-caller, Miami must carry $99 million in dead cap money, which will be spread across the next two seasons. In an effort to get under the salary cap, the Dolphins have also moved on from several notable players, including Tyreek Hill, Bradley Chubb, Jason Sanders, Alec Ingold, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, and James Daniels, while trading Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Even after those moves, the Dolphins remain about $1.7 million over the cap. Because of that, the team has allowed many of its free agents to leave. One of them—an offensive lineman who started 11 games during the 2025 season—has now landed with the Detroit Lions.
Former Dolphins Lineman Joins the Lions
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Detroit Lions have agreed to a one-year contract with former Dolphins offensive lineman Larry Borom. Before the 2025 season, Borom had signed a one-year, $2.5 million deal with Miami and was expected to serve as one of the team’s primary backup linemen.
However, an injury to Austin Jackson in Week 1 pushed Borom into the starting lineup earlier than expected. He went on to start the next 10 games before Jackson returned in Week 13. Once Jackson was back, Borom shifted into a swing tackle role and saw limited action, logging just eight offensive snaps over the following five games. He later returned to the starting lineup for the regular-season finale against New England.
Pro Football Focus graded Borom at 60.7 for the season, ranking him 64th among 89 qualified tackles.
Sports Illustrated’s Alain Poupart noted that Borom arrived in Miami with a reputation for being stronger at guard than tackle, but still performed well when called upon to start. Poupart added that the Dolphins likely would have considered bringing him back if the price had been right.
Dolphins Still Seeking Offensive Line Stability
Although Borom wasn’t expected to start for Miami in 2026, losing a player with experience could still impact the team. Contract details of his new deal with Detroit haven’t been disclosed, but a lineman with 38 career starts would have provided valuable depth.
The Dolphins especially need improvement at right guard. During the 2025 season, three different players started at that spot: James Daniels, Kion Smith, and Cole Strange. Daniels suffered a season-ending injury just three snaps into the season and was later released. Smith started two games before being benched, while Strange started 14 games but later signed with the Chargers in free agency. At the moment, Smith is the only player on Miami’s roster with starting experience at right guard for the team.
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