Tough free agent decisions the Miami Dolphins need to make

Elandon Roberts has played well at stopping the run but will he fit into Miami Dolphins DC, Vic Fangio’s system?

Roberts led the Miami Dolphins in tackles in 2022 with 107. He was consistent throughout the season and proved that he can provide consistency and leadership throughout the year.

The Dolphins will have four impending free-agent linebackers this year, not including Roberts. Two others are not easy decisions either, Andrew Van Ginkel and Melvin Ingram.

All three players have contributed to Miami but now, the Dolphins have to decide who to bring back and they may not be able to bring back all three.

Fangio will likely have a lot of input into this. Re-signing Van Ginkel and Roberts should be a priority but in the case of Roberts, his age, 28, and his salary demands might be more than Miami is willing to pay. Roberts has been playing on short-term contracts and he may want to test the market to see if there is better options and more money available.

Roberts turning in a 100-plus tackle season will only serve to help his free agency.

Ingram on the other hand turned in a good season as well and the 33-year-old veteran isn’t going to have other teams knocking down his door. Ingram is going to draw interest but he is viewed more as a depth player at this point in his career and Miami should try and get him back under contract.

Van Ginkel won’t be overly expensive but he won’t be cheap either. He has yet to make a big jump into stardom and likely never will but he is one of the more consistent pass-rushing linebackers in the league and has great vision and enough speed to pursue sideline to sideline.

Of the three, Miami should make attempts to bring back at least two and I would try and get Van Ginkel and Roberts back and then take a look at Ingram later if he remains unsigned.