Source: LB Burnett Reaches Deal With Dolphins
DAVIE (CBS4)-- A person familiar with the negotiations says veteran linebacker Kevin Burnett has agreed to terms with the Miami Dolphins as a replacement for Channing Crowder.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Saturday because the Dolphins hadn't announced the agreement.
Crowder, a six-year starter for Miami, was released Friday following the first practice of training camp to pave the way for Burnett's acquisition.
Burnett, a second-round draft pick by Dallas in 2005, spent four seasons with the Cowboys as a reserve and the past two seasons with San Diego. He started seven games in 2009 and all 16 games last year, when he had 80 tackles, six sacks and two interceptions.
For his part, Crowder said "you can't rank 32 linebackers who are better than me. I'm not done yet. I didn't retire. I got cut from a team."
The Dolphins staff has a history with Burnett, who played in Dallas when the current Dolphins regime was there. Burnett played for the Chargers the past two seasons and had the best seasons of his career.
Burnett had 95 tackles, 6 sacks, 5 pass defenses, and 2 interceptions along with two forced fumbles last season for the Chargers. He would be a major upgrade over Crowder and provide the Fins with a solid middle linebacking corps as he would join Pro Bowl linebacker Karlos Dansby.
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