A person with knowledge of the contract says inside linebacker Dannell Ellerbe has agreed to a $35 million, five-year deal with the Miami Dolphins.
The person confirmed the agreement to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because no deal had been announced Tuesday night. Ellerbe, 27, had 4½ sacks last year for the Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens.
Ellerbe was undrafted out of Georgia and has 14 career starts in four NFL seasons. He gives the Dolphins more youth at the position, leaving the status of nine-year veteran Karlos Dansby in doubt.
Miami was expected to be active in free agency after a fourth consecutive losing season, including a 7-9 record in 2012.
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