by Brian Biggane
With 2009 starters Joey Porter and Akin Ayodele likely playing elsewhere next season and Jason Taylor’s future uncertain, the Dolphins have some work to do to fill out their linebacking corps. They took a step in that direction Thursday when they hosted free agent Rashad Jeanty.

Jeanty, 26, who played the last four seasons with Cincinnati, was born in Miami and played at Carol City High School and the University of Central Florida. Failing to catch on with an NFL team, he spent his first four pro seasons with Edmonton of the CFL before signing a two-year deal with Cincinnati in 2006.


Jeanty started 32 games with the Bengals over the past four seasons including 15 in 2008, when he finished second on the team in tackles with 96. Last year he made just one start and totaled 20 tackles.

A 6-foot-2, 247-pounder, Jeanty, 26, suffered a broken leg in the Bengals’ playoff loss to the New York Jets on Jan. 9.

Jeanty played left outside linebacker for Cincinnati. That’s similar to the spot vacated by the departure of Porter; Cameron Wake is expected to have the inside track to start there next year. While it has been speculated Miami will use a high draft pick at the other outside spot, as of now Charlie Anderson and Quentin Moses are the top candidates.

The Dolphins would no5 have to give the Bengals any compensation if they signed him and the Bengals decided not to match.