As the league creeps closer to the official open of the 2020 calendar (and free agency), we will continue to see teams cutting down on established talent that no longer fit the vision of each respective franchise. That process continued yesterday as the Cleveland Browns announced that they were cutting veteran linebacker Christian Kirksey. Kirksey, who flourished with the Browns between the 2016 and 2017 seasons, has had trouble recapturing his former form over the last two seasons — and is now out on the street.
We’ve released veteran LB Christian Kirksey
Details » https://t.co/4SO0WP55XD pic.twitter.com/eUzy4yWN6B
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) March 10, 2020
Because the Browns cut Kirksey with years remaining on his contract, he’s eligible to sign with any team across the league at any time he’d like — he is not subject to the opening of free agency next Wednesday. As such, should the Dolphins be interested?
Miami has two standout linebackers in Jerome Baker and Raekwon McMillan at their disposal. Adding a third should certainly be on the table, especially if the talent in question can bring value as either a pass rusher or in pass coverage. McMillan’s passing defense limitations don’t make him less valuable to Miami, but they do limit what role he can be used in with a lot of consistency.
Kirksey, who has played just nine games combined over the last two seasons, used to be a positive contributor in both roles — but assuming he will be once more is a big assumption and a guess the Dolphins would probably be wise to avoid all together. Sure, Kirksey is a known name thanks to some strong play on his rookie contract. But he isn’t the type of player that makes sense for Miami to gamble on unless they’re able to get him for cheap. If the price is right, as should always be the case, sure — the Dolphins could entertain bringing Kirksey into the fray.
But to assume he’s the answer to anything that ails this Dolphins defense would be not only ambitious, but also foolish.
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