Dolphins release former Ohio State defender

The Miami Dolphins have released starting inside linebacker and former Ohio State football standout Jerome Baker. The former Buckeye has been a stalwart for Miami and a starter since his rookie season in 2018. The Dolphins have had to release a number of former starters, including cornerback Xavien Howard and defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah, in an effort to get under the salary cap.

Cutting Baker frees an additional $9.8 million for Miami. The move wasn’t a surprise to Baker’s camp. He and the Dolphins had attempted to restructure his contract but failed. Players who are released are not required to wait until the start of free agency to sign with a new team, which means Baker is free to sign with a new NFL team now.

Baker wasn’t the most decorated linebacker in Ohio State history, but there is no doubt he played at an elite level during his time in Columbus. He played a meaningful role in his last two seasons at Ohio State before declaring for the NFL draft with a year of eligibility remaining.

Story originally appeared on Buckeye Wire