Dolphins Training Camp Preview: LB Anthony Walker, Jr.

Walker brings his veteran experience into a fresh Dolphins defense.

Jason Sarney | Jul 21, 2024

Indianapolis Colts middle linebacker Anthony Walker (50) and strong safety Clayton Geathers (26) surround Miami Dolphins running back Frank Gore (21) during the first half of the game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018. The Colts won, 27-24. / Jenna Watson/IndyStar

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Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins will have a few new faces in the linebacker’s room in 2024, one of which is free agent signee Anthony Walker, Jr. The Colts drafted him in the fifth round (161st overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft, and he spent four seasons with Indianapolis.

He signed with the Browns in 2021 and played three seasons in Cleveland. In his seven professional seasons, he has made 513 tackles, 26 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 19 passes defended, and three interceptions. He also contributed to special teams for both the Colts and Browns.

He enters his first Dolphins training camp in his eighth NFL season and will see a fresh defensive coordinator for Miami in Anthony Weaver.

Height: 6-1
Weight: 235 lbs.
Exp.: 8 Years
School: Northwestern
How Acquired: Free agent signed in 2024 (Cleveland)

2023 In Review

Walker played 12 games last season, all of which he started. He finished with 44 tackles, one for loss, four passes defended, and a forced fumble.

He played 456 snaps (64%) for a staunch Cleveland defensive unit and added 117 snaps (32%) on special teams. Walker did not play in the Browns’s postseason loss to the Houston Texans.

Contract/Cap Info

The Dolphins and Walker Jr. agreed to a one-year, $1.37 million contract, which includes a $167,500 signing bonus and a $917,500 guarantee.

In 2024, Walker Jr.’s base salary will be $1.21 million with a signing bonus of $167,500, carrying a cap hit of $1.15 million with a dead cap value of $917,500 (per spotrac.com).

2024 Preview

Walker will join fellow new addition to the unit, linebacker Jordyn Brooks, in training camp. Duke Riley will also compete directly with Walker for inside linebacker depth chart positioning.

Cam Brown and Quinton Bell are free-agent additions battling with Walker and the rest of the linebacking corp this summer, with third-year linebacker Cameron Goode recently placed on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list (PUP).

Weaver’s utilization of his linebackers and defense are some of the main questions heading into veterans reporting to camp this coming week.

Walker and the all-defensive Dolphins could have a clean slate with Weaver at the helm, giving him a fresh shot with his new team.