Dolphins make under-the-radar signing to aid pass rush

More help is on the way, though.

On Monday, Miami signed three-time Pro Bowl pass-rusher Jason Pierre-Paul off the New Orleans Saints practice squad. The 34-year-old is a two-time Super Bowl champion and should help stabilize the defensive line and provide a veteran's voice in the locker room. Although he is 34, Pierre-Paul — who has 94.5 sacks over 14 NFL seasons — still has juice as a pass-rusher.

JPP, a Florida native, should take pressure off from pass-rushers Emmanuel Ogbah and Andrew Van Ginkel. 

It was believed the Dolphins would sign defensive end Derek Barnett, who was waived last week by the Philadelphia Eagles, but the former first-round pick was claimed by the Houston Texans off waivers Monday.

With six games left before the playoffs, Miami (8-3) needs reinforcements to help with its defensive rotations. Eight-year veteran Ogbah figures to receive more snaps on passing downs and outside linebacker Van Ginkel — who has shined for defensive coordinator Vic Fangio — will be relied upon to be the next man up.

"[W]ithout a shadow of doubt, it’s gonna be those two individuals that will have to step up," Miami coach Mike McDaniel said, per the Palm Beach Post.

Phillips, a third-year linebacker out of the University of Miami, is tied for the team lead in sacks (6.5) and tied for second in tackles for loss (eight), despite playing in only eight of the team's 11 games. 

McDaniel sounded optimistic about the long-term prospects of Phillips' health. Reports have surfaced that Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers was aiming to provide him with advice. He suffered the same injury on the fourth play of the season on the same MetLife turf Phillips suffered his.

"We all know that he’ll come back with a vengeance when his time comes. But he’s got a long journey, for sure."McDaniel told the media about Phillips.