The Miami Dolphins face a stark choice before Tuesday’s 4 p.m. trade deadline. The team sits at 1-7 and needs to clear the path for the future. Keeping right tackle Austin Jackson makes little sense given his injury history and inconsistent play. Dolphins Talk reported that the Dolphins could trade their 2020 first-round pick to facilitate a move. This is the kind of hard decision a rebuilding team must make to survive.
Jackson took a pay cut to help the team manage its salary cap during the offseason. He returned on a restructured one-year, $7 million deal after earning $11.5 million previously. That flexibility was smart, but his body has not stayed healthy. Injuries to the knee and toe or foot caused him to miss 20 games during the 2024 and 2025 seasons. A player who cannot stay on the field cannot anchor an offensive line. The Dolphins cannot build a winning offense around a player who is often injured.
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His performance this season has not improved his standing. In eight games covering 422 snaps, Jackson committed four penalties and allowed three sacks. Those numbers show a player who struggles to protect the quarterback. The new front office under Jeff Hafley and Jon-Eric Sullivan cannot ignore these stats. They need reliable players who can build chemistry and stay healthy. Jackson’s record shows he is a risk, not a solution.
Jackson has handled the trade rumors with a calm attitude. “Same thing I always do. That’s not in my control,” Jackson said. He also denied that the recent loss to Detroit was his final game in Miami. “Nah, I only heard that from you guys all week,” Jackson said. His words show he understands the business side of the NFL.
Dolphins Talk noted that Jackson expressed a willingness to go anywhere the team sends him. According to reports, “I want to go wherever wants me,” Jackson said. He added, “I love the Dolphins. I’ve loved my time here.” These comments reflect a player who knows his contract is expiring. The team can trade him and get value back rather than losing him for nothing later.
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Trading Jackson creates a spot for a younger player to step in. The Dolphins have 2026 first-round pick Kadyn Proctor ready to take over. While Proctor lined up as left tackle for Alabama, he now plays left guard in Miami. He has the talent to start at right tackle if given the chance. The team needs to stop clinging to the status quo at 1-7. Moving on from a veteran like Jackson gives Proctor a clear path to the starting lineup.
The deadline is Tuesday at 4 p.m. The Dolphins have little reason to keep a player with his issues. The next game is Sunday, Nov. 15, at 1 p.m. ET against the Indianapolis Colts.
