What To Know About LB Stephone Anthony

As first reported by NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, per a source, the Miami Dolphins have acquired linebacker Stephone Anthony from the New Orleans Saints in exchange for a 2018 fifth-round pick.

Lawrence Timmons’ indefinite suspension reportedly gives Adam Gase the option of cutting Timmons’ $4.5 million of the books this season under NFLPA guidelines. Thus, the signing of Anthony makes the option of moving on from the 31-year old veteran all the more real.

With both teams now confirming the trade, this is what you should know about the former first-round pick.

Stephone Anthony
Position: LB
WT: 235 HT: 6’3″

1. After a strong combine, Anthony was selected by New Orleans with the 31st overall pick in the 2015 Draft. The Clemson standout put together a solid rookie season in which he started all 16 games, recording 112 tackles and two forced fumbles.

2. Injuries have been a factor in Anthony’s young career. The 25-year old started in only three games in 2016, finishing the season on IR.

3. Due to a high ankle sprain, Anthony has yet to play this season. With the Saints crowded linebacker core which includes A.J. Klein, Manti Te’o, Craig Robertson, Alex Anzalone, Nate Stupar, Michael Mauti and Adam Bighill, the move makes sense for both parties.

4. Anthony has been most successful at inside linebacker.

It is extremely unlikely Dolphins fans will see Stephone Anthony debut against the New York Jets this weekend. Still, Adam Gase & Co. get a talented but struggling young player from a team that is clearly starting a rebuild. Anthony’s relatively low salary of $1,137,884 base in 2017 and $1,087,150 in 2018 with a 5th-year option give the Dolphins more cap flexibility, especially if they cut Timmons.  The addition is a no-brainer for a Miami linebacking core that lacks depth this season.

The Miami Dolphins take on the New Orleans Saints in London Week-4.