Perry is massive and fast, possessing all the physical tools to be a quality Strong Side LB.
Chandler Jones could be re-signed by the Cardinals
The Miami Dolphins know they need to get much better on defense, if they want to be back to the Playoffs next year. They also know that in order to get better on defense, they’re going to have to upgrade the talent at Linebacker.
Kiko Alonso is a restricted free agent who played very well last year, and he will be the only Linebacker on the roster that deserves to start again next season. Luckily for the Dolphins, there is going to be quite a few Linebacker options on the free agent market.
But, will they and should they spend big money? And if they do, on who?
One option is Green Bay Packers Linebacker Nick Perry. He has played in 60 games over his first 5 seasons in the league and has tallied 152 tackles, 23.5 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 interception. The biggest thing that stands out in regards to Perry is that he has had a lot of success getting to the QB. Although, this year was his contract year and was by far the best, tallying 11 sacks — which is a little concerning.
The Miami linebackers lacked the ability to pressure the the QB and create sacks, and Perry ‘appears’ to be the type of guy to fill that role. But, he’s not going to be cheap. Also complicating the issue is that he has never been a starter for 16 consecutive games. It would be a huge commitment on what could be a one year wonder.
Perry and Chandler are 3-4 LB’s that would have to adjust to a 4-3 scheme
Another attacking Linebacker that has a ton of success getting pressure on the QB over his 5 year career is Free Agent Chandler Jones from the Arizona Cardinals. He might be one of the best overall defensive players available in this entire free agent market, but that also means he is going to be very costly. Jones has been a stud during his 5 year career, amassing 260 tackles, 47 sacks, 14 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries, and 1 interception.
Most pay per head bookie service fans would say that they would prefer Jones over Perry, and I would definitely be one of them. For starters, he has been consistently excellent for his entire football career, whereas Perry has really just started becoming a good player over the last 2 seasons. Chandler has also been able to put up 3 seasons of double digit sacks, and he does a better job of forcing fumbles, which is evident from his 8 forced fumbles in the last 2 seasons.
In a vacuum, it would seem to be dream to pair either of these players with Alonso; but, the market might price-out both these players for the Dolphins who have lots of holes to fill. And what would be even worse is if these 3-4 LB’s didn’t fit the Dolphins system and were a big bust with a big price. Go Fins!!!