Liam Eichenberg missed all of the 2025 season. If he is to continue his NFL career, it will take place with a new team. 
The Dolphins announced on Monday that Eichenberg has been released. A knee injury landed the veteran offensive lineman on the PUP list during roster cutdowns in August. He remained there throughout the campaign, leaving open the possibility of a move such as this one. Eichenberg intends to play in 2026, but he is now a free agent.
After playing out his rookie contract with Miami, the Notre Dame product re-upped on a one-year deal. Since he was never activated from the PUP list, that contract would have tolled to 2026 had the Dolphins retained him. Instead, the team will move on while Eichenberg will begin the process of finding his next gig. His market will no doubt be tepid given the length of his absence. This move is coming with a failed physical designation, per Aaron Wilson of KPRC2.
Eichenberg made 60 appearances and 52 starts during his tenure with the Dolphins. The former second-rounder has seen time at every O-line position, and his versatility could be valued by interested teams. After playing as a tackle during his rookie campaign, Eichenberg has exclusively been used on the interior. He saw time at center in 2023, but otherwise his most common position has been guard.
The 28-year-old will thus likely be targeted as an option for starting guard duties during his time on the open market. That position has already seen changes in Miami’s case, with James Daniels one of the many incumbent players cut by the new decision-making tandem of general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley. With this Eichenberg release now taking place, additions along the interior of the offensive line will clearly be a priority for Miami.
The Dolphins are narrowly under the 2026 cap ceiling as things stand. Further cost-shedding moves will be required as a result, although managing to add financial flexibility through a Tua Tagovailoa trade remains highly unlikely.