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The Miami Dolphins on Wednesday resigned safety Gerald Alexander. Alexander spent four days this preseason with the Dolphins, being released on the final day of roster cuts, September 3rd.
The Dolphins bring in Alexander to bolster a struggling secondary. Miami ranks 30th in the league in pass defense so far this year, according to Football Outsiders. He is a five year veteran, having started 30 games while spending time with the Carolina Panthers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Detroit Lions. He has 159 tackles, 2 sacks, 14 passes defensed, and 4 interceptions in his career.
The Miami media relations released this about Alexander, when the Dolphins first signed him back in August:
"The 6-2, 209 pound Alexander has spent time with the Carolina Panthers (2010), Jacksonville Jaguars (2009-10) and Detroit Lions (2007-08). He has played in 41 career games, with 30 starts. In his career, Alexander has notched four interceptions, 2.0 sacks, four fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles and 14 passes defensed. He was originally selected by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft (29th overall) out of Boise State where he was a four-time First-Team All-WAC selection. Born June 28, 1984, Alexander attended Rancho Cucamonga (CA) High School where he was an outstanding football and track athlete and member of the school's Honor Roll."
The timing of the signing is curious, leading to speculation that last year's starting safety, Chris Clemons, may be further from returning to the lineup than closer. Clemons has been rehabbing a hamstring injury, and was thought to be making his 2011 debut last week against the New York Jets. However, a late week re-aggravation of the injury kept him sidelined, and, now, it appears it may keep him out for a while.
Alexander takes the roster spot of wide receiver Roberto Wallace. Wallace was placed on injured reserve today, ending his 2011 season. Wallace has been battling a quadriceps injury all season, appearing in just two games, with no receptions.