How many players get a second chance at playing for their former team after being cut? Not many.
The Miami Dolphins added a familiar face back to their roster, linebacker Trent Harris, after waiving injured defensive end Curtis Weaver. This opportunity can not only help the Dolphins in their improvement and development for the upcoming season, but also for this young LB looking to make a statement that says he should not have been previously waived.
Harris Likely Brought Back After Biegel Injury
Harris has the opportunity to swim through opposing offensive lines after signing another contract with the Dolphins last week. Miami likely looked to add more LB depth after it was forced to place fellow linebacker Vince Biegel on injured reserve after suffering a season-ending torn Achilles tendon.
University of Miami Alum: Proven Pass Rusher
His experience with the Dolphins defensive line can help him make a case for getting more playing time, and even starting, creating more opportunities than his first year of play. He proved to be a strong pass rusher at the University of Miami and is working on continuing to carry that over to the NFL.
Prior to joining Miami last season, he spent time on the New England Patriots practice squad in 2018 as an undrafted college free agent.
Harris Made Impact in Eleven 2019 Games
Harris, in his first season with the Dolphins, played in 11 games and made three starts. He had 22 combined tackles (16 solo) during his rookie year. He also recorded one forced fumble, 1.5 sacks and two quarterback hits.
Harris to Help in Many Statistical Categories
The Dolphins are a young team that has a need for both youthfulness and experience. They struggled on defense last season in most defensive categories, including QB pressure, yards allowed and points scored.
Harris showed in college that he could play in both a 3-4 and 4-3 defensive system as an edge rusher, something head coach Brian Flores is using in his defensive rebuild. His speed can help him become a vital pass rusher during the 2020 season in what could be a turnaround season.
McMillan Trade Leaves Spot Open for Harris
Even though Harris will rejoin the team that gave him some playing time, the technicality behind his contract has not yet been disclosed nor his success of making the final 53-man roster on Saturday. The Dolphins defense has grown more with depth and experience with bringing him back and Harris has a better opportunity to solidify a role now that linebacker Raekwon McMillan was traded.
Will Flores give Harris more playing time? Saturday is just a few days away before the final rosters must be submitted.
– Daniel Roberts is a Sports Contributor for Full Press Coverage Miami Dolphins. Like and follow on Follow @dantheman1892 Follow @FPC_Dolphins and Facebook.
