DeShon Elliott’s time in Miami is over after one season, as the Miami Dolphins lose another starter off their 2023 defense.
Elliott, the former Dolphins safety, is bound for the Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency, according to multiple Thursday reports, including Bleacher Report and ESPN.
Miami continues a vast restructure of its defense for 2024 under new coordinator Anthony Weaver. Six starters from the team’s base 3-4 package, plus key rotational players, have either left as free agents or been released this offseason.
The Dolphins return safety Jevon Holland next season and added veteran former All-Pro Jordan Poyer this week, but they’re also expected to potentially use an array of three-safety looks, which left Elliott’s return a possibility after Brandon Jones’ departure to the Denver Broncos in free agency.
Elliott started 15 games for Miami in 2023, recording 82 tackles with seven pass deflections, a fumble recovery and an interception in the team’s regular-season finale against the Buffalo Bills as he battled through a calf injury. He may most be remembered for a diving, touchdown-saving tackle in the Dec. 24 win over the Dallas Cowboys and knocking a chip off the helmet of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes in a head-on collision in the blistering cold of the playoff loss to Kansas City.
Farewell to DeShon Elliott in Miami after one season with Dolphins. pic.twitter.com/nVzM04jDQj https://t.co/8bCVrR5s4D
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) March 14, 2024
Going into his sixth NFL season, Elliott now returns to the AFC North, where he played his first three seasons, for the Baltimore Ravens.
Earlier in free agency on the defense, the Dolphins lost defensive tackle Christian Wilkins to the Las Vegas Raiders, outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel to the Minnesota Vikings and nose tackle Raekwon Davis to the Indianapolis Colts. Among key defenders released are cornerback Xavien Howard, linebacker Jerome Baker and defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah.
Miami has since added Poyer, edge rusher Shaquil Barrett, linebackers Jordyn Brooks and Anthony Walker Jr., defensive tackle Neville Gallimore and cornerback and special teamer Siran Neal.
Returning special teams player Elijah Campbell can also provide a reserve safety.
Jenkins visits
Veteran nose tackle John Jenkins (6-3, 327 pounds) visited with the Dolphins, according to KPRC-2 in Houston.
While no deal is imminent, the Dolphins are in need of a reliable nose tackle after Davis’ departure to the Colts. Gallimore, who was acquired after four seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, appears more like a backup rotational piece on the defensive line
Jenkins, who turns 35 in July, has spent three of the past five seasons in Miami on two separate stints, suiting up for 39 games with the team between 2019, 2021 and 2022.
Despite his age, the former Georgia Bulldog had his most active season last year with the Las Vegas Raiders. He started all 17 games for a career-high 61 tackles, a sack, four pass bat-downs and a fumble recovery for a 44-yard touchdown.
