BY SEAN DONOVAN
In a somewhat unexpected turn, the Miami Dolphins managed to re-sign half of their free agent defensive tackle duo.
According to Fox Sports, the Dolphins and Randy Starks have agreed to a two-year, $12 million deal. Paul Soliai, Miami's other longtime defensive line stalwart, was reportedly offered a similar contract before signing a five-year, $33 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons on Tuesday.
The deal is a coup for Miami, which retains a productive defensive lineman at a reasonable cost. Starks earned $8.45 million last season after receiving the franchise tag.
"It could be worse. I could be on the street," Starks said, via The Palm Beach Post. “For the most part I'm glad to be back."
The Dolphins will now pair him with Earl Mitchell, the former Houston Texans nose tackle whom they gave a four-year, $16 million deal shortly after free agency opened on Tuesday.
Starks tallied four sacks in 2013 and ranked in the top ten of defensive tackles in Pro Football Focus' run stop percentage and pass rush productivity metrics. The two-time Pro Bowler has accrued 36.5 sacks, eight fumble recoveries and four interceptions during his ten year NFL career.
The Dolphins reportedly neglected to enter negotiations with Starks prior to the free agency signing period, but we now know it was just because they didn't want to bid against themselves.
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