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DOLPHINS | PHILIP WHEELER

Philip Wheeler joins Miami Dolphins’ new-look linebacker corps

 

Philip Wheeler turned down the Raiders and Chiefs and accepted the Dolphins’ $26 million deal. ‘I’m aggressive,’ he said. ‘Like a shark, but it’s ironic, because now I’m a Dolphin.’

Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) runs with the ball as Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Philip Wheeler, right, gives chase during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) runs with the ball as Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Philip Wheeler, right, gives chase during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012.
Marcio Jose Sanchez / ASSOCIATED PRESS
WEB VOTE What best describes your feelings about the Dolphins’ moves so far in free agency?

BY ADAM H. BEASLEY

abeasley@MiamiHerald.com

For a few moments Tuesday, Philip Wheeler thought he got Punk’d.

Wheeler was on a cross-continental flight to Miami, where he thought he had a five-year contract waiting, when he experienced a moment of panic. The Dolphins reached a megadeal with Dannell Ellerbe, the TV told him. The problem: Wheeler and Ellerbe play similar positions.

“I texted my agent, ‘You sure I’m going to the right place?’ He’s pretty good,” Wheeler said with a laugh Wednesday.

No need to worry. The Dolphins did want both. They see Wheeler and Ellerbe as the future of Miami’s new-look linebacker corps.

Wheeler, who actually met with the Dolphins as a free agent in 2012 before signing with Oakland, said he can play all three positions: strong side, weak side or middle. He had a career year in 2012, tallying 109 tackles and three sacks in 16 games.

The Raiders made a strong pitch to keep him, as did the Chiefs, before Wheeler ultimately decided on the Dolphins. The $26 million contract on the table probably had a lot to do with it.

“I’m aggressive,” Wheeler said. “Like a shark; but it’s ironic, because now I’m a Dolphin.”

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