MIAMI GARDENS — Jonah Savaiinaea moved back to right guard with the Miami Dolphins during the 2026 offseason after playing left guard as a rookie in 2025. The position change returns him to a role more aligned with his college experience at Arizona, where he played primarily at right guard or right tackle.

Savaiinaea acknowledged the challenge of playing left guard as a rookie, saying he had never focused on the left side before joining the Dolphins. "But that wasn't a reason why or an excuse in my play. Wherever I am on the line, is to contribute to this team." He added, "It's always good to move back to your original spot."

Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley said Savaiinaea appears more comfortable at right guard based on conversations with offensive line coaches Zach Yenser and Matt Applebaum. "He’s got more cumulative reps and muscle memory on the one side." He added, "Is it a mental thing? Is it a physical thing? If you ask Jonah, he feels good on the right side."

The Dolphins plan to start Kadyn Proctor at left guard and Patrick Paul at left tackle during the 2026 offseason. Hafley said the team intends to keep Proctor at left guard initially to avoid overwhelming him as a rookie. "When we’re just talking about schematically, learning the playbook, we believe that’s (Proctor’s) best bet, not to overload him to try to learn too much. And then, when it comes down to actually having to play it, you’re not ready to play anything."

Savaiinaea had a full offseason with the Dolphins in 2026, unlike his rookie year when he was preparing for the NFL scouting combine and pro day. The Dolphins’ offensive scheme remains largely unchanged, including its outside-zone run-blocking concepts. His new position coach is Zach Yenser, after being coached by Butch Barry as a rookie.