The Dolphins bulked up on their pass-rushing depth on Saturday, agreeing to a one-year deal with Malik Reed, according to Field Yates of ESPN. The outside linebacker will be looking to improve on a disappointing 2022 season now that he has found a new home.
Reed began his career in Denver, signing with the Broncos as an undrafted free agent out of Nevada in 2019. He quickly made an impact as a rookie, tallying his first sack by Week 4 and starting the next eight games for the Broncos. His strongest campaign came the following year, when he led the team in sacks with eight quarterback take-downs.
While still under his entry-level deal, Reed was traded to the Steelers ahead of the 2022 season. No longer starting on his new team, he struggled to produce in Pittsburgh, logging just one sack last fall -- this after putting together a combined 15 sacks in his three seasons with the Broncos. He’ll attempt to find his groove once more in Miami.
The Dolphins were middle-of-the-pack with their pass rush last fall, with second-year linebacker Jaelan Phillips registering seven sacks to lead the team. Miami is set to lose their next two highest sack leaders in free agency, but they still have Bradley Chubb, whom they acquired and extended last season, on roster.
Reed figures to serve a rotational depth role behind Phillips and old teammate Chubb during the coming season. The Dolphins passing rushing depth remains extremely thin right now and Reed could have a real chance to make an impact if he can find his range once more.
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