Free agent linebacker options for the Miami Dolphins

Zach Brown

The Buffalo Bills will try to keep Brown and Brown wants to stay with the Bills but money will go a long way in what decision Brown makes. The reality is that the Dolphins are far closer to challenging the Patriots than the Bills are and that too could sway his decision to leave Buffalo if Miami shows interest.

At 27 years old Brown is only a year and half older than Hightower but statistically he also far and away better than Hightower and frankly worth more than $10 million that Hightower is rumored to want.

Over his career Brown has developed into one of the best middle linebackers in the NFL and the Dolphins really should consider trying to persuade him to join the team this off-season. Brown has seven interceptions, three fumble recoveries, and two forced fumbles but where he earns his money is in tackles.

Brown posted 94 solo tackles in 2016 which is more than Hightower had combined. Additionally he added 49 assisted tackles. While last year was high even for Brown, his previous seasons had tackle totals of 76, 91, and 93. In other words he is consistent. He also has 14 sacks in his career with four of those coming in 2016.