Michael Thomas has led all Dolphins players with 50 special teams tackles since 2014, including 22 in 2016 — the second-most in the league.
But the Dolphins elected to let him leave in free agency, losing not only their best kick coverage guy, but also their special teams captain, to the New York Giants.
They weren't about to let the same happen with Walt Aikens, who is now in position to fill the role Thomas served, both on and off the field. Aikens signed a two-year, $2.7 million contract in free agency to remain a Dolphin.
Aikens has also been around since 2014, but has gotten a fraction of the attention of his ex-teammate (Thomas' decision to kneel during the national anthem has much to do with that).