The six-foot-three-inch, 240-pound Wake was the CFL outstanding defensive player of the year in each of the past two seasons, using his speed and strength to break through offensive lines and get to the quarterback, which he did 39 times.
He led the CFL with 23 sacks the past season, more than twice as many as the next highest total. The sack total was tied for fourth-best for a single season in league history.
Wake, who turns 26 next week, played collegiately at Penn State. He went undrafted in 2005 and signed with the New York Giants but couldn't gain a foothold .
It is likely that the hybrid player, who went by his birth name Derek during his collegiate career and first NFL pass, will revert to linebacker after starring on the defensive line with the Lions.
The Dolphins have been looking for pass rushing help to complement Joey Porter.
The Miami Herald reported the deal is for four years and could total as much as $5 million US, with slightly less than $1 million in guaranteed money.
Wake spent the past two weeks trying out for clubs. It was reported that the Indianapolis Colts were also serious contenders for his services.
