The Miami Dolphins endured a rough start to free agency, watching several starters depart South Beach on Monday. Yet, they didn’t let their limited cap space hold them back as they made a few of their own additions as well to open the NFL‘s legal tampering period.
Miami Dolphins News Today
Following Jerome Baker’s release and Andrew Van Ginkel’s departure, Miami had work to do at linebacker. The Dolphins addressed it early on Monday, signing two veteran linebackers to help fortify the second level of their defense. All of that and more in today’s Dolphins news!
Dolphins Fans Blast Team After Key Departures in NFL Free Agency
Miami’s fans were disappointed as they were forced to watch several starters depart in free agency on Monday. Christian Wilkins signed a massive, $110 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders. Robert Hunt landed a huge payday from the Carolina Panthers.
Several other starters signed elsewhere on Monday as well, including Andrew Van Ginkel and Brandon Jones. While it’s easy to see why Dolphins fans were so upset with the loss of several starters, Miami remained active and made a few additions of its own on Monday.
READ MORE: Dolphins Fans Criticize Miami After Starters Sign Elsewhere
Is It Time To Panic After Miami Dolphins’ Bloody Monday?
Despite starting the NFL’s legal tampering period above the salary cap, Miami restructured a few contracts to create much-needed space to work with. Pro Football Network’s Adam H. Beasley discussed Miami’s current situation on Monday.
Beasley mentions that the departures of Wilkins, Hunt, Van Ginkel, and Jones were all expected moves by those in the know. Miami’s cap situation clearly limited what they were able to do this offseason. However, that doesn’t mean they can’t get creative and make a move that nobody currently expects.
CONTINUE READING: Time to Press the Panic Button in Miami?
Get To Know New Miami Dolphins Linebacker Jordyn Brooks
As the Dolphins moved on from Baker and watched Van Ginkel leave in free agency, they needed to make an addition at linebacker. Miami’s biggest reported signing on Monday was a deal with former Seattle Seahawks linebacker Jordyn Brooks.
Brooks signed a three-year deal with the Dolphins, worth a maximum of $30 million. The 26-year-old linebacker is a tackling machine, totaling 513 takedowns in his first four seasons in the NFL. As Miami revamps its defense, signing Brooks could prove a foundational move down in South Beach.
KEEP READING: Who Is Jordyn Brooks?
Get To Know New Miami Dolphins Center Aaron Brewer
Despite the departure of Hunt, Miami made an addition to its offensive line on Monday, signing former Tennessee Titans center Aaron Brewer to a three-year, $21 million deal. Former Dolphins starting center Connor Williams is recovering from a torn ACL and is currently a free agent.
It’s clear that Miami isn’t interested in waiting for Williams to recover and pounced on the opportunity to sign Brewer early in the NFL’s legal tampering window. While Brewer will likely start at center for the Dolphins, he offers positional versatility, spending time at guard with the Titans.
READ MORE: Aaron Brewer’s Potential Impact in Miami
Get To Know New Miami Dolphins Linebacker Anthony Walker
Miami’s first reported addition during the NFL’s legal tampering period was former Cleveland Browns linebacker Anthony Walker on a one-year deal. Following the release of Baker, Miami was in the market for affordable help at inside linebacker.
Although Walker has an extensive injury history, he played well when he was on the field. Walker started 12 games in Cleveland last season, totaling 44 tackles while holding up well in pass coverage. Following the Brooks signing, Walker could be a depth player in Miami.
CONTINUE READING: Miami Replaces Jerome Baker With Anthony Walker
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