After back-to-back offseasons bringing in a new inside linebacker, the Miami Dolphins’ starting linebacker corps is now revamped from what it was in the Brian Flores-Josh Boyer era defensively.
In 2023, the Dolphins moved on from Elandon Roberts and brought in David Long Jr. After one season of pairing Long with longtime Miami linebacker Jerome Baker, Baker was released this offseason.
In what turned out to be an essential trade, the Dolphins signed former Seahawks linebacker Jordyn Brooks while Seattle took in Baker in free agency.
Along with Brooks, Miami added veteran and South Florida native Anthony Walker Jr. to bolster the linebacker depth. Duke Riley, who filled in when Baker was injured late last season, is also still under contract.
With four viable options at the position, plus 2022 third-round draft pick Channing Tindall, the Dolphins seem to have all they need at inside linebacker heading into the 2024 season.
They at least wouldn’t prioritize it as a position of need in the upcoming draft, which runs April 25-27, but if the right prospect falls to them somewhere after their first-round pick, who’s to say new defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver and linebackers coach Joe Barry don’t put in a good enough word to coach Mike McDaniel and general manager Chris Grier?
Long led the Dolphins in tackles (113) and started all 17 games last season. He proved durable after hamstring injuries marred his time in Tennessee, was one of the best linebackers against the run all season, but he struggled in pass coverage.
Baker’s tenure in Miami is up after six seasons as a mainstay in the middle since he was a 2018 third-round pick.
In his place, the Dolphins likely start Brooks after giving him a three-year deal worth up to $30 million. Brooks brings a physical presence and fiery leader for the heart of a defense. He had seasons of 184 and 161 tackles in 2021 and 2022, and there’s a belief he could be better in coverage than some of his numbers indicated.
Walker, who attended Monsignor Pace High not far from Hard Rock Stadium, makes a homecoming heading into his eighth NFL season, spending his first four with the Indianapolis Colts and last three with the Cleveland Browns, where he was even a captain. He may be able to rotate in for either Long or Brooks or fill in if injuries arise and can contribute on special teams.
With two linebackers brought in and one sent out, Riley’s place comes into question, especially when the Dolphins can save $2.5 million toward the salary cap by releasing him. He appeared in every game last season, making five starts for Baker, tallying 42 tackles but also being involved in some coverage breakdowns. Riley is a core special teamer for coordinator Danny Crossman’s unit, which could go a long way in securing his spot on the team despite the additions at his position.
Tindall has seen plenty of special teams work in his two NFL seasons, but he has only played 21 total defensive snaps, 12 last season. He has been unable to earn the trust of either of his two defensive coordinators, Vic Fangio last year and Boyer in 2022, but possesses speed at linebacker that can prove valuable if he learns how to channel it correctly.
More 2024 NFL draft coverage
David Furones’ 2024 NFL mock draft: Do Dolphins pick at 21 or trade up/down?
Dolphins, with top receiving duo, need to secure third WR this offseason
Dolphins NFL draft options: Wide receivers
Dolphins have added tight ends in free agency; do they still look for another in draft?
Dolphins NFL draft options: Tight ends
Dolphins could draft a high-quality O-lineman (Armstead’s successor?) in first two rounds
Dolphins NFL draft options: Offensive line
Dolphins NFL draft options: Running backs
