Eagles Rumors: Linebacker with Vic Fangio ties officially hits free agency

The Philadelphia Eagles desperately need help at their linebacker position this offseason. Luckily, former Dolphins LB Jerome Baker, who played under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio last year, just hit the open market on Tuesday.

Jerome Baker to the Eagles?

Dolphins are releasing starting linebacker Jerome Baker, per source. The two sides discussed a restructured contract, but couldn’t reach an agreement. The Dolphins left the door open to him coming back if he chooses. pic.twitter.com/PApltNdj0a

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 5, 2024

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Baker, 27, started 82 of a possible 94 games in Miami, racking up 587 combined tackles, 31 tackles for loss, 22.5 sacks, and five interceptions. He’s played all over the front-seven during his six-year career, seeing 1,147 snaps along the defensive line and 3,793 at linebacker. Throughout those six years, Baker has proven himself to be a do-it-all backer, totaling as many as seven sacks in a season and recording 100+ tackles three times.

In short, he’d be a damn near perfect fit for Fangio’s new-look Eagles defense – just like he was last year under Fangio in Miami. During his lone season with Fangio as his DC, Baker posted a career-best two interceptions; one of them being a pick-six against the Eagles. He also tallied 78 total tackles while playing just 12 games.

At 27, Baker is still squarely in the prime of his career. Although Howie Roseman typically shies away from handing linebackers long-term deals, signing an LB like Baker at his age and with the type of versatility he brings to the field makes a ton of sense. Not to mention the aforementioned connection to Fangio.

There will be a handful of defensive players linked to the Eagles because of the Fangio hire this offseason. Baker will be one of the few actually worth signing.

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