Philip

Wheeler

Wheeler has drawn interest from Miami and now Oakland since the beginning of free agency. He’d be a candidate to replace old SLB Kamerion Wimbley.

The Dolphins are signing ALL of the linebackers. Wheeler gets $13 million guaranteed. Miami already added Dannell Ellerbe on a five-year, $35 million deal, and then released middle linebacker Karlos Dansby. With Wheeler coming aboard, it might signal the end for veteran WLB Kevin Burnett. Wheeler showed he could do it all in 2012. He defended the run, covered, and rushed the quarterback.

Raiders beat writer Vic Tafur has heard “a couple times” at the Combine that Wheeler may be cut by Miami. He had a strong 2012 campaign in Oakland. Releasing Wheeler would cause a $4.2 million cap penalty for the Dolphins, so we’re not sold it’ll happen despite a nightmarish debut season with the team.

The 27-year-old Wheeler will replace Kamerion Wimbley as Oakland’s starting strong-side linebacker. Wheeler is an obvious downgrade as an edge rusher, but the Raiders won’t be emphasizing pass-rush ability at SAM ‘backer in their revised 4-3 scheme. Wheeler was quietly one of the Colts’ top run defenders over the past couple of seasons. He’s a solid pickup on the cheap.

“Just by playing against him, hear him talk to his offense,” Wheeler said. “I was like, ‘Wow,’ he’s looking at that aspect of our defense.’” Wheeler is coming off a monster performance against the Steelers with 11 tackles, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and two passes defensed. Among 4-3 linebackers, only Denver’s Von Miller has a higher grade from Pro Football Focus.

Wheeler and Ellerbe would be options on the strong side in St. Louis, opposite Jo-Lonn Dunbar and next to James Laurinaitis. The position is one of just two to three weak spots on the Rams’ defense after dumpster-diving for Rocky McIntosh last offseason. Ellerbe is seeking $6 million annually. Wheeler should be cheaper.

“He had a great year in Oakland,” said the evaluator, who works for an NFC team. “He was playing like his hair was on fire. He was their best defensive player on the field most of the time.” Wheeler noticeably stood out on a bad Oakland defense, along with Desmond Bryant and Lamarr Houston. Pretty much everyone else was terrible. Wheeler, 28, is not expected back with the Raiders.

“I’m anxious,” Wheeler said. “I’m not sure if it’s going well or not.” Wheeler is open to signing elsewhere. "(There are) plenty of teams out there. It’s very important to me to get back to being part of a winning organization.” Wheeler graded out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 6 4-3 outside linebacker last season. He was a rare bright spot for a talent-deficient team.

Touted as one of the potential steals of free agency, Wheeler is gaining more and more buzz. By the time his market settles, he might not be much of a steal at all. Wheeler graded out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 6 4-3 outside linebacker last season, one of the few bright spots on a rancid Raiders’ defense.

Wheeler was one of the lone bright spots in Oakland last season. The 28-year-old gained steady buzz this weekend, and the Rams have already shown interest. The Chronicle mentions free agents Manny Lawson and Nick Barnett as replacement options.