The Liam Eichenberg era is officially over.
In a move that fans have long since prayed for, the Miami Dolphins released the offensive lineman, bringing an era marred by injuries, high expectations and underwhelming results to an end.
This is just the latest move amid a roster purge that has included release of star receiver Tyreek Hill and edge rusher Bradley Chubb.
Eichenberg started 52 of 60 games during his five-season tenure in Miami yet missed the entire 2025 season with an undisclosed leg injury. Known for his versatility, he played several positions along the offensive line including center, guard and even tackle.
The former Notre Dame standout came to Miami as a second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Even his arrival was marked with high expectations as then-general manager Chris Grier sent the Dolphins’ 2021 second-round pick as well as 2022 third-round selection with the New York Giants just to move up and draft Eichenberg.
After starting 16 games as a rookie, Eichenberg’s snaps significantly went down the following season. A MCL injury caused the offensive lineman to miss the final seven games of the 2022 season while a hand ailment prevented him from the Dolphins’ sole postseason appearance.
Over the following two seasons, Eichenberg started 26 of a potential 34 games.
The Dolphins elected to sign Eichenberg to a one-year deal in 2025 offseason, however, he suffered a leg injury prior to the start of the season that landed him on the player unable to perform (PUP) list for the entire year. When asked about the nature of the injury, then-coach Mike McDaniel called it “chronic.”
“What he’s dealing with is of the chronic nature, so as of right now that’s going to take more time,” McDaniel said in late September.
In the weeks prior to the end of the 2025 season, Eichenberg was seen with a knee brace and scuttled around on a scooter. He revealed more during locker room clean out day
“It was one of those things that just started happening working out, doing exercises,” Eichenberg told the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson. “My knee was just kind of breaking down for the most part.”
Although Eichenberg will attempt a comeback, it’s unclear whether he will play again.
“I am going to try,” he said, choosing not to answer whether he had surgery. “I don’t want to share too much.”
With the release, Eichenberg will be an unrestricted free agent ready to sign where he pleases.
THIS & THAT
In addition to Eichenberg’s departure, the Dolphins tendered cornerback Ethan Bonner.
The cornerback snagged his first interception with increased snaps in 2025, a tremendous one-hand grab that even further endeared him to fans.
Miami signed Bonner as an undrafted free agent in 2023. He appeared in seven games during his first two years with the Dolphins.
That figure jumped up to 14 games in 2025 as he became a staple part of the Dolphins’ special teams unit. Bonner logged 15 total tackles in 2025 as well as two pass deflections, a fumble recovery and a tackle for loss.
During his three seasons in Miami, Bonner has amassed 17 combined tackles and three pass breakups
This story was originally published March 2, 2026 at 4:25 PM.
Miami Herald
C. Isaiah Smalls II is a sports and culture writer who covers the Miami Dolphins. In his previous capacity at the Miami Herald, he was the race and culture reporter who created The 44 Percent, a newsletter dedicated to the Black men who voted to incorporate the city of Miami. A graduate of both Morehouse College and Columbia Graduate School of Journalism, Smalls previously worked for ESPN’s Andscape.