It’s just days until the start of a new league year in the NFL, and that means free agency is right around the corner, granting optimism for most teams as they hope to capture a Lombardi Trophy in the next season.
Head coach Mike McDaniel and general manager Chris Grier have many decisions that they’ll have to make regarding roster construction if they want to reach those heights that haven’t been seen in Miami since the days of Don Shula.
The Dolphins are sent to have 31 total free agents when the year opens, including linebacker Elandon Roberts.
Roberts, 28, spent the last three seasons as a member of the Dolphins, earning captaincy in 2022 for Josh Boyer’s unit.
The former Houston Cougar was originally a sixth-round selection of the New England Patriots back in 2016. During his time with New England, he played under Brian Flores, who would eventually become the head coach in Miami, enticing the linebacker to join him when he hit free agency.
Roberts played a career-high 680 defensive snaps this past season, setting career marks in tackles (107) and sacks (4.5). While his style of play isn’t seen much in the NFL these days, he’s proven to still serve a valuable role in the Dolphins’ defense.
However, with Vic Fangio coming in to lead the group, it’s unclear whether or not he’ll still be a fit. There’s a chance that Fangio leans more toward athletic linebackers and safeties to keep the group from getting gashed by tight ends and running backs in the passing game.
If Roberts can return on another short-term, short-money deal, then it would be worth it to bring him back for his leadership and to see if he fits. Think of it as a defensive, cost-effective version of 2022’s Mike Gesicki trial.