The Miami Dolphins have signed free agent linebacker Lawrence Timmons to a two-year deal. He could be the piece the Phins have been searching for on defense.
The Miami Dolphins have brought in their first big-name free agent of the offseason, signing long-time Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Lawrence Timmons. The former Florida State star was a first-round pick in 2007 and spent the entirety of his first decade in the league in Pittsburgh as a highly productive player.
Now 31 years old, Timmons has missed just two games during his 12-year career and has piled up 981 tackles, 35.5 sacks and has had his hand in 21 fumbles while picking off 12 passes. Timmons has topped the 100-tackle mark six times, including the past five seasons, and has reached or topped the five-sack plateau four times. He's also touted as a leader in the defensive huddle.
This is exactly the guy the Dolphins needed to go after to start stabilizing their linebacking corps. While Dont'a Hightower is younger and was also on the team's radar, Timmons is a much better acquisition. Not only has Timmons proven to be more consistent during the duration of his career, but his leadership and veteran presence is also a much needed asset in this group of linebackers.
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The deal is worth $12 million over two years with $11 million guaranteed. This is an extremely reasonable contract for the Dolphins and they should get more than their money's worth. Miami has gone this direction before, signing a veteran linebacker out of Pittsburgh in Joey Porter. And that worked out exceptionally well. Obviously that doesn't mean this move will have the same results, but it's worth mentioning.
It's unclear exactly what role he will play this season, however, I expect him to step into the MIKE linebacker role and push emerging star Kiko Alonso to the weak side, despite Alonso's desire to stay inside. Alonso proved in Buffalo he could thrive on the weak side as a rookie and Timmons has more of a reputation and experience as a guy they can trust to lead the linebackers as the MIKE. While Timmons has lost a step athletically over the years, there is no worries about his ability to be do his job and be in position while making sure everybody else is as well.
This move is a huge step in building a complete defense in Miami. There is no doubt linebacker was the most flawed spot on their defense. It looks now like the Dolphins may only be a piece or two away from being scary on the defensive side of the ball. They could still stand to add another linebacker and a starting safety to replace the recently cut Isa Abdul-Quddus who's career may be in jeopardy thanks to a nerve injury in his neck. Miami did sign former Eagles and Raiders safety Nate Allen, nevertheless, he is in no way a player you can have any confidence in starting on a weekly basis.
This is another strong move by the front office, who suddenly has made a habit of making great decisions over the past few seasons. It's another step towards the Dolphins turning the organization back around and returning them to glory.
