The praise, the problem, the possibilities with Dolphins inside linebackers

A position-by-position series breaking down each of the Miami Dolphins’ units, assessing where the team stands heading into the 2025 offseason, and examining what could possibly be done through free agency and the NFL Draft.

INSIDE LINEBACKER

▪ Praise: Jordyn Brooks turned in arguably the best single season for a Dolphins inside linebacker since Zach Thomas was roaming the field.

While Brooks, who recorded 143 tackles, three sacks and forced two fumbles last season, wasn’t flawless in his play, he was the leading tackler for a defense that finished 2024 ranked fourth in yards allowed and 10th in points allowed.

What made those statistics even more impressive is that Miami was one of the least productive sack-generating teams, and created few turnovers. So Miami’s success was based primarily on stingy coverage on third downs and in the red zone, which were two areas Brooks excelled in as a coverage specialist for tight ends and tailbacks.

What makes his season even more impressive is the fact Brooks was paired with three different inside linebackers last season. David Long Jr. began last season as Miami’s starter and green dot player (wearing the communication headset). Anthony Walker Jr. replaced Long at midseason and helped sew up Miami’s coverage because of Long’s tendency to freelance, which got him benched and eventually released.

Tyrel Dodson replaced Walker at the end of the season because of all the injuries he was battling with late in the season. Dodson, whom the Dolphins claimed off waivers after Seattle waived their leading tackler for being disgruntled by a possible benching, led Miami’s entire defense with three interceptions. And his leadership presence at inside linebacker helped the unit settle in and be more committed to their assignments, which helped Anthony Weaver’s defense thrive.

▪ Problem: Having two versatile, physical and durable inside linebackers is a prerequisite to running a successful 3-4-based defense. Most of last season the Dolphins had one and a half because of Long’s struggles and durability issues, and Walker’s durability issues. Not helping matters is the fact Walker and Dodson are both expected to become unrestricted free agents.

It’s possible that Walker, a South Florida native, could be re-signed this offseason for a hometown discount, which is what he took last offseason when he agreed to a one-year deal that paid him just under $1.4 million. However, considering he contributed 68 tackles, one sack and one interception in the 516 defensive snaps he played in his 14 games last season, don’t be surprised if he’s looking for a slight bump in salary. Maybe something in the neighborhood of the two-year, $5 million deal Duke Riley just completed, making him a free agent yet again. It’s hard to envision Miami not re-signing at least one of the free agent inside linebackers — Walker, Dodson or Riley — because the only other option left is to elevate Channing Tindall to the starting spot opposite Brooks and the former Georgia standout hasn’t impressed in three previous seasons.

▪ Possibilities: Seeing as how a versatile inside linebacker who can clog running lanes, as well as cover tight ends and scatbacks downfield are becoming as hard to find in today’s game as traditional nose tackles, don’t be surprised if Miami goes the free agent route to address this need. But that’s only if Walker and Dodson, who had an impressive season, contributing 107 tackles, two sacks and three interceptions in the 17 games he played for Seattle and Miami, don’t get re-signed. And the market will likely determine that.

Last year Miami signed Brooks to a three-year deal that’s worth $26.2 million, and it’s possible a similar deal (one in the $8 million to $9 million a season range) can be offered to Eagles linebacker Zack Baun, 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw or Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton. If Miami wants to go the aged-but-still-vintage route it could target Washington’s Bobby Wagner or Tampa’s Lavonte David, a South Florida native who has flirted with the Dolphins for a couple of offseason. While they are both 35, neither players productivity has dropped off much from when they were 25. Former Dolphins starter Jerome Baker and Giants free agent Isaiah Simmons are among the less expensive younger options if Miami opts to go the veteran route.

This draft class seemingly lacks a sure-fire first round talent like Roquan Smith, who was taken eighth overall in 2018 and has lived up to the hype. Alabama’s Jihaad Campbell is presently viewed as the only first-round contender before the NFL Combine showing. But Day 2 could feature roughly four inside linebackers — Oklahoma’s Danny Stutsman, Georgia’s Smaul Mondon Jr., UCLA’s Carson Schwesinger and Michigan’s Josaiah Stewart — that will have linebacker needy teams jockeying for their services.