As training camp goes on, the Miami Dolphins continue to make moves. The team is reportedly signing cornerback Mark Gilbert, who is coming off a solid season in the USFL.
Per source, Dolphins are signing former Duke cornerback Mark Gilbert, who led USFL in INTs this year
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) August 3, 2023
Gilbert led the USFL in interceptions during the 2023 season with four. He added 32 total tackles, two tackles for loss and 15 passes defended, so he knows how to make some plays.
He spent the season with the Pittsburgh Maulers, who lost to the Birmingham Stallions in the championship game last month. The 26-year-old has some NFL experience, as he spent a solid chunk of the 2021 season with the Detroit Lions. He appeared in eight games, registering one pass defended, one forced fumble and three combined tackles.
He’s also had stints with the Pittsburgh Steelers, though he has never appeared in a regular season game for them.
The Duke University product is hoping to make his mark on a team that is expected to be without superstar defensive back Jalen Ramsey for many months after he underwent knee surgery. Ramsey was injured during a recent team practice.
Even without Ramsey, the Dolphins have plenty of talent on the roster and are hoping to make back-to-back playoff appearances for the first time in over 20 years.
The team easily could’ve made a deep run in last season’s playoffs, but starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa missed its lone playoff game with a concussion.
Fans will have to keep an eye out for Gilbert and see if he makes a strong impression on head coach Mike McDaniel and the rest of the coaching staff during his time in South Florida.
Gilbert has relatives who have made their marks in the football world. His uncle Sean was the third overall pick in the 1992 NFL Draft and made one Pro Bowl during his lengthy career. Darrelle Revis, a Hall of Famer and seven-time Pro Bowler, is Mark Gilbert’s cousin.
The Dolphins would be ecstatic if Mark Gilbert were able to perform like Revis did throughout his storied career that saw him become a four-time All-Pro player. Only time will tell if that’s in the cards.
