Report: Miami Dolphins sign former Rutgers offensive lineman after impressive tryout

The Miami Dolphins are busy filling out the 90-man roster with organized team activities set to kick off next week. Former Rutgers center Ireland Brown is signing with the team after a strong rookie minicamp tryout, first reported by KPRC 2 Houston’s Aaron Wilson.

Brown declared for the NFL Draft in January after four seasons at Rutgers but was not selected. He was named Academic All-Big Ten three times throughout his career with the Scarlet Knights.

A native of Jamaica, New York, Brown began his college career as a defensive tackle at Boston College. He transferred to Rutgers in 2020 and started five games at left guard in 2021.

At 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 300 pounds, Brown started 11 games at center as a junior but appeared in eight games as a backup during his senior season. Gus Zilinskas earned the starting job and started all 13 games for the Scarlet Knights in 2023.

Brown participated in New York Jets Rookie Minicamp but left Florham Park, N.J. without a contract. Miami signed former Tennessee Titans center Aaron Brewer to a three-year this offseason and Liam Eichenberg will likely be the backup, unless he’s called in to start at guard.

There’s still hope for Brown — or fellow UDFA center Andrew Meyer — to earn a spot with the Dolphins. Alama Uluave, a 2023 undrafted free agent center at San Diego State, stuck with the practice squad for most of last season. Uluave appeared in 54 games with the Aztecs but did not see playing time with the Dolphins.

Competition will continue later this month at Miami’s optional OTAs on May 20-21, 23, 28-29, and 31. Mandatory veteran minicamp is scheduled for June 4-6.