Dansby receives a five-year, $43 million contract that includes $22 million guaranteed. The deal makes him the highest-paid linebacker in the NFL who isn't primarily tasked with rushing the passer.One of the most highly-regarded and sought-after free agents on the market in 2010, Dansby had garnered interest from the New York Giants and Washington Redskins, among others.
Originally drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft, Dansby has amassed 553 tackles, 25.5 sacks, 12 forced fumbles, 10 fumble recoveries, 10 interceptions, and 25 pass deflections in six pro seasons.
Dansby's signing comes the same day the team released the man he will replace—veteran inside linebacker Akin Ayodele.
Although he can play any of the linebacker positions in the Dolphins' 3-4, Dansby is expected to start inside alongside Channing Crowder.
Analysis
As an Auburn fan, Miami Dolphins fan, and simply a fan of good football players, I could not be happier about this signing.
Inside linebacker was one of the biggest areas of need for the Dolphins heading into this offseason, and this was the move I was hoping they would make to address it all along.
Dansby gives the Dolphins something they've completely lacked since implementing the 3-4—a quality all-around inside linebacker.
In Dansby, the Dolphins get a strong, athletic linebacker with good tackling ability, excellent coverage skills, and the ability to rush the passer as well.
Dansby gives the Dolphins what they didn't have in Ayodele and Crowder—a playmaker.
For comparison: In two seasons with the Dolphins, Ayodele had zero sacks, two interceptions, and a forced fumble.
Meanwhile, Crowder, while a solid tackler, has had an incomprehensibly difficult time making big plays, posting 2.5 sacks, one interception, and three forced fumbles in 71 NFL games over five seasons.
Quite simply, what Ayodele and Crowder do over a few years or half a decade, Dansby does every season. I expect new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan, who has tutored some of the NFL's great linebackers, to get even more out of Dansby's talent.
While the Dolphins aren't finished building their team into a contender just yet with needs at receiver, right guard, nose tackle, outside linebacker, and free safety, they have greatly improved the squad with a play-making, Pro Bowl-caliber linebacker.
How do you feel about the signing of Karlos Dansby? Share your thoughts on the forum here!
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2 comments:
Chris,
Things for the Phins could not good any better than what has happenedin free agency and the CBA agreement not being signed and allowing us to cut dead-wait over payed player (Porter and Wilson). With the potential signing of FS Clark - This is great, this allows us to focus on NT and WR in the opening rounds in the draft. This makes life for the front office a lot easier. However, it makes us more predictable what we will do in the draft. When I get some time a little later, I'll send you a 3 round prediction and see what you think.
Well now have had enough time to sit down and digest the fact we've signed Dansby. By the end of today will be signing Clark. Predicting this years draft is a little easier. The first pick is kind of in he air. If Bryant is on the board. I can see us drafting him. However, with Denver allowing him to talk with Seattle - that shows their ready to show him the door. However, McClain could be up there and Denver needs help with Defense. That being said, find a true number 1 is tough, and I see Denver frafting Bryant. For us, with Porter out of the picture and possibly Taylor we will lacking OLB - so for the 1st pick the Phins make will be Segio Kindle (OLB TX). For the 2nd pick, with Ferguson being suspended for 8 games: this makes drafting a solid NT early important. For the 2nd pick - the phins draft Cam Thomas (NT NC). The 3nd round will be a WR without a doubt and here it gets a little funky. No telling what WR will be available, but my money would be Demaryius Thomas (WR GT).
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