Miami Dolphins signing of Lawrence Timmons brings veteran leadership to defense
By Tyler Olson
Lawrence Timmons wasn’t in South Florida long before he put pen to paper.
As reported by Adam Schefter, the former Pittsburgh Steeler is now a Miami Dolphin after signing a two-year contract worth $12 million, $11 million guaranteed.
Timmons will be an asset for the Dolphins from day one. Although not the most coveted free agent available at the linebacker position he fills a need Miami needed most, a run-stuffing linebacker.
More from Dolphins Free Agency
- Miami Dolphins defensive free agent upgrades and downgrades
- Dolphins climb into top 10 in post-free agency power rankings
- Miami Dolphins free agency a successful whimper rather than a failed roar
- Ranking Miami Dolphins most impactful free agent signings of 2023
- 5 prominent former Miami Dolphins still on the NFL FA scrap heap
What Dolphins fans will need to monitor throughout the offseason is their plan for Timmons. He fits the inside linebacker mold but there’s one problem: Kiko Alonso.
Miami’s leading tackler in 2016, Alonso has stated over-and-over again that he wants to continue playing inside in defensive coordinator Matt Burke’s base 4-3 defense. Last year he proved he wasn’t washed up after a mediocre 2015 season with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Now it’s almost all-but certain that Alonso will be moved to the weakside linebacker position and be used as a coverage specialist. Timmons will be taking over the role of leading a Dolphins defense that was ranked 30th in the league last year against the run, giving up 4.8 yards per carry.
Timmons is bringing a lot of game experience to town. When I say that I’m not only talking about the six-consecutive seasons in which he’s started 16 regular season games. That doesn’t hurt when justifying why Miami sent a private jet just to pick him up last night. His biggest asset may just be his playoff experience, something very few if any Dolphins players have.
The new regime in Miami is playing the field with great confidence and expertise. Signing Timmons (along with trading for William Hayes) to shore up the rushing defense woes is just another sign that the Dolphins are finally building to get in a position to win, and win big.
Don’t question Timmons’ toughness; he’s been a Steeler since 2007.
Let’s just hope he can handle the South Florida heat these next two years.