Baltimore Ravens defensive line coach Anthony Weaver looks on during a game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Baltimore Ravens on December 26, 2021, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, OH.
Just over a week after parting ways with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, the Miami Dolphins have hired a new man for the job, Anthony Weaver. The defensive-minded coach and former player comes off a three-year stint with the Baltimore Ravens, where he most recently served as the defensive line coach and assistant head coach in 2023.
Weaver played a key role in shaping a dominant Ravens’ defense that led the NFL with 60 sacks. His efforts were enough to be considered for multiple head coaching jobs before ending up in Miami.
Linebacker Patrick Queen comes off a strong season, recording 84 total tackles, 10 stuffs, six passes defended, 3.5 sacks, a forced fumble, an interception, and a fumble recovery. The Pro Bowler made a name for himself in Baltimore and will be highly sought after in free agency.
With the Dolphins sitting $51 million over the salary cap, it’s unlikely that the team could afford the hefty paycheck Queen will be seeking, but it’s not totally out of the question.
One of the top priorities for the Dolphins this offseason is bringing back defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. If Wilkins does test free agency and winds up with another team, Justin Madubuike would offer a stellar replacement. Madubuike earned Pro Bowl honors after a season consisting of 56 tackles, 13 sacks, two forced fumbles, and 3.5 sacks.
Weaver worked directly with Madubuike as defensive line coach, and the Dolphins could use that connection to their advantage.
The Dolphins learned the hard way this year that depth at linebacker is an absolute necessity. No position group sustained more injuries than the linebackers this season, and the inconsistency hurt the team down the stretch.
Malik Harrison has gained four years of experience with Baltimore’s defensive unit as an inside linebacker, collecting 120 total tackles, 73 solo tackles, 6.5 stuffs, and one pass defended throughout his tenure.
Harrison would be a relatively inexpensive option to add depth and experience to the Dolphins’ inside linebackers group, which was spread thin in 2023.
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