The linebacker position for the Miami Dolphins was one where many believed the team could search for an upgrade this offseason.

In free agency, instead, the Dolphins decided to go the route of continuity, essentially bringing back last season’s linebacker corps and allowing the likes of Bobby Wagner (from Seahawks to Rams) and Myles Jack (Jaguars to Steelers) to land elsewhere.

Inside linebackers Elandon Roberts and Duke Riley were brought back, as were reserves Brennan Scarlett and Sam Eguavoen. The unit was already returning leading tackler Jerome Baker and outside linebackers Jaelan Phillips and Andrew Van Ginkel.

While returning all the linebacker corps’ main contributors from 2021, it’s still a position where the Dolphins could search for a player with one of their two middle-round draft picks in late April. Miami has pick No. 102 at the end of the third round and a fourth-round selection, along with two seventh-rounders, where a young player could be inserted into competition.

An inside linebacker could provide a piece that rotates in with Roberts and Riley next to Baker in a 3-4 defensive front, or give Baker the flexibility to stretch out wide as an outside linebacker, as he often did in the second half of last season. An extra outside linebacker could enhance the pass rush already present with defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah (team-leading 9 sacks in 2021), Phillips (8 1/2), Baker (5 1/2) and Van Ginkel (4) and keep them all fresh in a rotation in the Dolphins’ blitz-heavy approach.

The continuity allows the Dolphins defense to build off the momentum of leading the way to eight wins in their final nine games last season. It maintains the same system on that side of the ball. Cornerbacks, with Xavien Howard landing a lucrative extension this offseason, can be called upon to defend in single coverage. With Ogbah re-signed, the defensive line in front of the linebackers remains stout, while linebackers and even safeties are often called upon to rush the passer.

“It was a great thing because I know all of those guys,” said Roberts of the defense remaining intact. “You’ve got that team camaraderie with your defense. I’m glad we got all the guys back, and it’s going to be fun. The NFL changes every year, so to not have your defensive unit change that much is a good thing.”

Dolphins defensive coordinator Josh Boyer remains in that role in the transition from Brian Flores to Mike McDaniel as head coach. Linebackers coach Anthony Campanile also returns to instruct his unit, and Ty McKenzie was hired as outside linebackers coach.

Baker, entering his fifth season, returns his 92 tackles. Roberts, who was a Flores player after spending three seasons with the former Dolphins coach in New England when Flores was a Patriots assistant, was still brought back amid the transition. The seventh-year pro brings leadership as a defensive captain last year, along with his 83 tackles, second among linebackers.

“You can start putting yourself and your defense in situations that you might have not been able to put in last year in OTAs,” said Roberts about the continuity at the position amid a coaching change. “You had to start from the foundation. Every year, you still have to start with your foundation because guys have been off. You’ve just got to revamp things, but it’s a quicker process.”

With Phillips, a former Miami Hurricanes standout, heading into his second season and Van Ginkel his fourth, they can anchor the outside. Midseason, Riley was a revelation for quality snaps inside that allowed Baker to rotate out. That can also allow Phillips to put his hand in the ground as the hybrid edge defender that he is, mostly playing defensive end when he broke through at UM in 2020 to become a first-round pick in the last year’s draft.

Scarlett, who started four games last season, provides depth, along with Eguavoen. Calvin Munson and Darius Hodge are other linebackers on the Dolphins roster this offseason that can compete come training camp.

Miami has also worked out a pair of linebackers, inside linebacker Reuben Foster and edge rusher Melvin Ingram, who can also play defensive end. It’s an indication the Dolphins are still looking for additions in this group.

Previously addressed

Dolphins giving Tua Tagovailoa tools to succeed heading into Year 3

Dolphins’ new-look backfield should benefit from Mike McDaniel’s run game

Dolphins have improved offensive line, but are still a piece or two away up front

Dolphins returning last year’s tight ends, but use of the unit could change in new offense

Dolphins filled offseason receiver need with speed; are they done at the position?

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