Measureables

Position: LB
Born: 11/29/1985, in Hamlet, NC
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 240
College: Georgia
Rookie Year: 2009

Former Team: Baltimore Ravens

The Miami Dolphins have acquired Dannell Ellerbe, an inside linebacker that was expected to be Ray Lewis's replacement in Baltimore after his tremendous performance in late 2012, as well as through the playoffs and the Superbowl.

The acquisition of Ellerbe was part of a series of unexpected moves that included the departure of Karlos Dansby. Ellerbe is younger than Dansby and signed for a smaller contract. The terms were 5 years, $35 million, while Danbsy was playing out the final two years of a 5 year, $43 million deal.

How Ellerbe will fit into a 4-3 defense, and exactly which linebacker position he will be playing, remains to be seen.

However, as a 3-4 inside linebacker with the Ravens, Ellerbe played at a high level, ranking 14th in 2012, right behind Karlos Dansby.

As you can see by the PFF analysis below, Ellerbe is an emerging player who stepped it up as the season went on.

Interesting that Ellerbe's base salary balloons in 2015 while Wheeler's base salary drops. It is almost as if they are looking beyond just this year and next when they work these deals out.

Maybe Ireland is confident he will be around for a while?

I don't believe all this talk about Ireland and the hot seat. I didn't believe it last week and I sure don't believe it now. These signings are not what you see from a guy who is concerned only with this year. They put risk into 2013 but have serious benefits for 2014 and beyond