Entering the 2023 offseason, there was a strong sentiment building that the Miami Dolphins should try and upgrade their right tackle position and move on from Austin Jackson as a starter.
However, the team remained committed to the former first-round pick after he played in just two games in 2022 and had been uninspiring at left tackle and left guard in his first two seasons.
Jackson has rewarded the Dolphins for their faith, with some really solid play so far in the 2023 campaign. He’s played every offensive snap this season (578), and he’s been attributed with just three penalties and one sack allowed.
Earlier in the week, Jackson’s counterpart on the left side of the line, veteran offensive tackle Terron Armstead, sang his praises for his effort and play to this point in the year.
“He’s been great,” Armstead said. “His technique, his attention to detail, his fundamentals, his approach every day, his willingness to work and the desire to be great every day, it’s hard to do. That’s the hard part about this league, especially up front, is the consistency of it. But he approaches it the right way. He’s ascending. It’s been great to watch and be a part of.”
Back in May, Miami decided not to pick up Jackson’s fifth-year option, which would’ve been roughly $14.2 million in 2024. While it looked like a smart decision at the time, the former USC Trojan’s play has some questioning if it was the right move now.
For now, the Dolphins have a consistent player at right tackle who’s playing well in this system. And, with all of the injuries that they’ve had up front so far, it’s nice to have someone that they can count on being out there and doing their job each week.
