Derrick Mclendon

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Derrick McLendon's contract earns a C Contract Value Index, with the AAV sitting where the comparable-tier deals tend to settle. At $1.935M annually on a one-year deal, this is precisely the kind of depth-piece salary you'd expect for a second-year linebacker still in the proving-grounds phase of his career. McLendon's 2025 season: 1 game tells the story—minimal opportunities and no statistical footprint to point to as a justification for expanded role or salary acceleration. The C grade reflects the fundamental tension: the contract itself is fair market value for a 25-year-old reserve linebacker, but his below-average performance grade (C-) and the D sentiment trailing him suggest Miami is banking on developmental upside rather than immediate production. Recent roster moves by the Dolphins—adding depth across the secondary, offensive line, and skill positions—indicate an evaluation-phase approach rather than a desperate lean on unproven young defenders. Unless McLendon can translate his second year into meaningful snaps and measurable impact, this remains a low-leverage, low-ceiling deal that functions more as organizational placeholder than as a building block.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

Other same-position deals the Contract Value Index also places in the C band — a quick read on where Derrick's contract sits relative to comparable money.

Performance Analysis

Derrick McLendon enters his second year with the Miami Dolphins as a rookie linebacker still searching for his first NFL appearance, a reality that frames the central question surrounding his Miami tenure. Selected as a depth piece, McLendon has yet to dress for a game, placing him firmly in the developmental category and highlighting the gap between draft aspiration and on-field production. The linebacker position demands reliability and durability—players with 48 or more games establish themselves as contributors—and McLendon's complete absence from the field represents a significant hurdle in proving he can handle the physical and mental demands of NFL competition. His current grading reflects the inherent limitations of evaluating a player without live snaps; what scouts liked in his college tape remains theoretical until translated to professional speed and complexity. The Dolphins' linebacker rotation has thus far moved past him on the depth chart, suggesting that competing for meaningful snaps will require a noticeable improvement in training camp consistency and tactical awareness. Moving forward, McLendon faces a critical juncture where securing special teams contributions or a preseason breakout could open the door to game action; without it, his roster spot will remain perpetually in question heading into the 2025 season.

How Derrick Compares at the Position

Derrick Mclendon ranks 194th of 339 graded linebackers by performance. That slots Derrick between Jonah Elliss (C-) just ahead and Danny Stutsman (C-) just behind.

Current Sentiment

Derrick McLendon enters 2026 as a free agent after being released by Miami during the Dolphins' offseason roster restructuring, a move that signals the organization has moved on from the second-year linebacker. With only one season of NFL experience and no Pro Bowl, All-Pro, or standout statistical achievements on record, McLendon was operating at the role player/backup tier before his release. The timing and context of his departure—grouped among seven players cut to make room for undrafted free agents—suggests the Dolphins viewed him as expendable depth rather than a core contributor. Media coverage has been neutral-to-negative, framing the release as routine roster management rather than highlighting any particular performance concerns or controversy. McLendon will need to secure a new opportunity and demonstrate significant improvement to rebuild his perception heading into the 2026 season.