Two linebackers that should top the Miami Dolphins free agent list
Outside of the front four last season, the Miami Dolphins defense was not the best. In fact, I’d say that the linebackers and secondary may have been one of the worst units in all of football last season. While some of the issues could be attributed to injuries and other issues, the unit just didn’t have the depth of talent to be competitive last season.
While the interior of the linebacking corps looks set thanks to Kiko Alonso — someone who has also had his share of injury issues in his career — the outside linebacker position is in need of some serious help. Jelani Jenkins, Spencer Paysinger and Koa Misi both look to be on their way out of Miami this offseason while both Mike Hull and Neville Hewitt don’t look to be long term answers at the position.
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With the position in such a bad place, it wouldn’t shock me to see a linebacker drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins. That said, the team will need to address the other starting outside linebacker position in free agency. Having quite a bit of cap space available, the Dolphins will luckily have their pick of two talented linebackers.
Looking at players that possess both youth and top level talent, I firmly expect the Miami Dolphins to pursue both Green Bay’s Nick Perry and the Chargers’ Melvin Ingram this offseason. Signing either of these players would give the team a significant upgrade at the position and immediately strengthen the defense as a whole.
Entering the league during the 2012 season, Ingram gradually grew into his role as a starter over his next five seasons in San Diego. Starting every game he played over the last three seasons, Ingram had become a consistent force in the Chargers defense. While his tackle totals are unspectacular, Ingram does have a combined 22.5 sacks, 13 pass deflections, and nine forced fumbles over the last three years.
Also entering the NFL back in 2012, Nick Perry is someone that has yet to grow into an every down player. Only playing around 50% of the Packers defensive snaps last season — a career high for him — Perry is someone that has proven his can do a lot with just a little. Producing 11 sacks last season, one has to wonder what Perry might be able to do if he becomes a fully fledged starter.
The biggest difference between the players in the end could be the cost. While Ingram is expected to command a deal in the $17 million range, Perry is a player that could be had for around $9-10 million. While my preference would be for the Dolphins to sign Melvin Ingram, Nick Perry wouldn’t be a bad second choice.
READ MORE: Miami should avoid tight end Thomas during free agency
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