Phin Phanatic
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Free agent linebacker options for the Miami Dolphins

By Brian Miller

Dec 11, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills inside linebacker Zach Brown (53) jumps to make a catch in the end zone for an interception during the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at New Era Field. Pittsburgh beat Buffalo 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills inside linebacker Zach Brown (53) jumps to make a catch in the end zone for an interception during the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at New Era Field. Pittsburgh beat Buffalo 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 18, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills outside linebacker Lorenzo Alexander (57) against the Cleveland Browns at New Era Field. Buffalo beats Cleveland 33 to 13. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills outside linebacker Lorenzo Alexander (57) against the Cleveland Browns at New Era Field. Buffalo beats Cleveland 33 to 13. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /

Chandler Jones

Jones is an interesting option and one that the Dolphins would be wiser to avoid. His Spotrac market value is in the $16.2 million range per season and frankly that is way more than the Dolphins need to spend with so many other needs on the team.

Jones, 26, is at the top of his game right now. He has posted double digit sack totals in all two of his five seasons. The Cardinals are leaning towards using the franchise tag on Jones if he can’t be signed long term but if he hits the market is the top of the list for many teams with cap space to spend.

Lorenzo Alexander

The 33 year old outside linebacker is still productive if not hitting the final years of his career. Alexander has been in the league for 10 seasons playing for four different teams. Last year he posted his first double digit sack total in his entire career.

2016 was Alexander’s best season by far and it’s not a surprise that he will be able to parlay that season into a final contract of what will only be a two year deal at most. His market value is trending around the $6 million mark.

If the Dolphins are hoping to stay on the cheap side in free agency or if someone like Ingram is not attainable than Alexander may be a short term option while they develop a draft pick to replace him.

Signing a linebacker to start this late in his career is not ideal and should only be a fall back consideration for the Dolphins.

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