Dolphins, OT Jackson agree to 3-year extension worth $36M, source says
MIAMI — The Miami Dolphins have secured the future of their offensive line by signing a three-year contract extension with offensive tackle Austin Jackson, a source confirmed to ESPN. The deal, worth $36 million, includes $20.7 million in guaranteed money, ensuring the 2020 first-round pick doesn’t hit free agency in the coming offseason.
Miami selected Jackson as the 18th overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft and initially placed him as the starting left tackle. However, after inconsistent play, multiple position changes, and injuries during his first three seasons, the team declined his fifth-year option this past offseason.
Despite his struggles in his first two seasons, Jackson showed promise during his first training camp under head coach Mike McDaniel in 2022 after a move to right tackle. An ankle injury sidelined him for all but two games during the regular season, but he has since fully recovered and has not missed a snap for the Dolphins in the 2023 season.
Since returning to full health, Jackson has allowed just two sacks in 740 snaps protecting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s blind side. He has been a critical component of an offensive line that has allowed the fourth-fewest sacks in the NFL this season.
Jackson’s extension is the first in a series of decisions the Dolphins must make before the 2024 season, including re-signing defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, right guard Robert Hunt, linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, and center Connor Williams, who held out of the team’s mandatory minicamp in pursuit of a new contract.
The deal was first reported by NFL Network and has been met with positivity from Dolphins fans and the organization as they build for the future.