Dolphins free agent rumors: Dolphins 'in conversations' with Alex Boone, other guards

The Miami Dolphins have a Pro Bowl player at left tackle and center, as well as a 2014 first-round pick at right tackle. They have gaping holes at both guard positions, roles that were not filled last year by the trio of Dallas Thomas, Billy Turner, and Jamil Douglas. An upgrade should be in the plans for this offseason, with both free agency and the Draft as options and, according to a report, the Dolphins are looking into available free agents.

The Miami Herald's Barry Jackson writes, "the Dolphins are in conversations with a few veterans, including 49ers free agent Alex Boone." Adding a viable starter to the offensive line would, presumably, solidify the Miami offensive line in four of the five positions. The Dolphins could then use the best of the Thomas-Turner-Douglas trio to fill the other, or they could look to add two veterans, or Draft another option for the vacant guard spot.

Boone has ties to the Dolphins, where the team's offensive line coach Chris Foerster held the same position with the 49ers in 2015. Foerster also held the 49ers offensive line coach position in 2009, Boone's rookie season.

Boone assumed the starting role for the 49ers at right guard in 2012, starting every game for two seasons before missing one game in 2014. He started 13 games at left guard in 2015 before a sprained MCL sidelined him the rest of the year. He did not require surgery, however, and is expected to be ready for the season.