Dolphins sign tackle Charlie Heck as 2026 free agency continues into Week 2

TAMPA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 21: Charlie Heck #77 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs onto the field prior to an NFL football game against the New York Jets at Raymond James Stadium on September 21, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images) | Getty Images

After a fairly quiet weekend, the Miami Dolphins got back into the swing of free agency on Monday with the announcement of signing free agent tackle Charlie Heck. The move, which comes as the 2026 NFL free agency period moves into the second week, continues the Dolphins' trend of finding veteran players who can provide competition for starting roles or be primary depth options when needed.

Heck joins Jamaree Salyer as offensive linemen signed by the Dolphins since the start of free agency. The Dolphins entered this year strapped against the salary cap, but they have been deliberate with their additions, signing several players to one-year, veteran minimum style deals, allowing them to stay under the salary cap despite the number of signings they are making.

Who is Charlie Heck?

A 2020 fourth-round draft pick out of North Carolina, Heck began his career with the Houston Texans. After four seasons with the Texans, Heck was waived at the end of the 2024 preseason before signing with the Arizona Cardinals' practice squad, bouncing between the active roster and practice squad during the year. Late in the season, the San Francisco 49ers poached Heck from the Cardinals' practice squad, providing the team depth near the end of the year.

Heck spent 2025 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a one-year, $1.6 million contract. He will turn 30 during the 2026 season.

He has appeared in 67 games during his career, including 29 starts. He likely comes to Miami looking to be the swing tackle, able to play left or right tackle if needed during a game. Heck's father, Andy, is the offensive line coach for the Kansas City Chiefs

What are the contract details?

No contract details were released with the announcement. If the signing follows most of Miami's other signings, it will be a one-year contract worth around the veteran minimum.