Miami Dolphins Target 183‑Tackle Linebacker in 2026 Free Agency

Miami Dolphins officials announced on May 27, 2026, that they are evaluating a 28‑year‑old linebacker who posted 183 tackles in the 2025 season as a possible free‑agency addition. The move arrives as the franchise, widely seen as one of the NFL’s weaker squads, readies for a new coaching staff and a roster overhaul.

Jeff Weiss, the general manager, says the Dolphins need a play‑maker in the middle of the defense to complement a young secondary and a revamped pass‑rush scheme. If the linebacker signs, Miami hopes to lift its run‑stop ranking, which lingered near the bottom of the league last year.

Why does the Dolphins’ recent history make this player a top target?

Miami Dolphins entered the 2025 campaign with a fresh head coach and defensive coordinator, yet the unit finished in the league’s lower tier in both yards allowed and points surrendered. The 183‑tackle total placed the player among the top ten defenders league‑wide, showing an ability to find the ball carrier consistently. His production stood out on a roster that otherwise struggled to generate turnovers.

How does the player’s performance stack up statistically?

During the 2025 season, the linebacker logged 183 total tackles, averaging 11.4 per game, and added three sacks and two forced fumbles. Those numbers reveal a high tackle rate that aligns with elite middle linebackers in the NFL. While he did not lead the league, his volume ranked ahead of many Pro Bowl‑caliber peers, suggesting upside for a Dolphins defense seeking stability.

Key Developments

• The player’s contract demands include a two‑year, $14 million deal with $6 million guaranteed, according to his agent.
• Dallas Cowboys have expressed interest, viewing him as a short‑term fix while scouting long‑term options.
• Miami’s new defensive coordinator, former 49ers assistant Marco Rossi, favors a 4‑3 base that would put the linebacker in the middle of a two‑gap scheme.

Potential impact on Miami’s future

Adding a proven tackler would immediately boost Miami’s run defense, potentially moving the unit out of the bottom five in the NFL. The player’s experience also offers mentorship for younger linebackers like Jake Carson, who logged 78 tackles as a rookie. Salary‑cap analysts note that the $14 million figure fits within Miami’s projected 2026 cap space, leaving room for other free‑agency moves.

The team also must address the edge‑rush deficiency that allowed opponents a 4.8 sack‑per‑game average in 2025. If the linebacker signs, Miami could pair him with a high‑drafted edge rusher in the 2026 draft, creating a balanced front that could keep the franchise out of the bottom‑three for the first time since 2022.