The expected became official Thursday when free agent linebacker Jordyn Brooks signed a three-year, $26.3 million contract with the Miami Dolphins.
A short time after the announcement, Brooks — who had 513 (including a staggering 109 solo) tackles in the four seasons he spent with the Seattle Seahawks — met with South Florida reporters.
Here’s an overview of what he said.
What Miami Dolphins Are Getting in LB Jordyn Brooks
Brooks made clear that he intends to play middle linebacker for the Dolphins, meaning he’ll almost certainly wear the green dot and seems likely to be a three-down player for Miami.
Beyond that, the Dolphins are still working through his exact role. Even after cutting Jerome Baker, Miami has two good off-ball linebackers in Brooks and David Long Jr.
“To be honest, we haven’t [gone] over that as much,” Brooks said on a Zoom conference. “I think there are some things they’re trying to figure out scheme-wise, personnel-wise.”
However the Dolphins use Brooks, expect him to bring the intensity. He prides himself on playing with a physical edge.
“I just think that’s my game. That’s the way that I play. Physical, play fast. And so I think what I do, you know, can be impactful for this team and also still growing.
“… So I just feel like I’m, I’m still going upwards and so I’m excited for this opportunity here and, you know, the ability and the attributes that I bring to the game.”
Brooks agreed to terms with Miami just seven hours into the legal tampering period. So his first taste of free agency was short.
When asked why he picked the Dolphins out of “a few teams” that pursued him, Brooks replied:
“It’s the best situation, as far as being on a winning team, a team that I thought was trending upwards. And a team that I felt I can use my services, playing middle linebacker. So, I think all those things played a role in it.
“Obviously the coaching staff that they have here and what they’re trying to get done, all those things real attractive too. So I think that’s pretty much why I chose it.
“I actually talked with [new defensive coordinator] Anthony Weaver. Knowing that he came from Baltimore and they had a lot of success last year. And the things that they were doing. Obviously, another reason why I came. Knowing his track record and then he had an opportunity to be a defensive coordinator here. Think it was just, ‘why not?’ Honestly.”
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