2012 NFL Free Agency: Dolphins Sign Linebacker Gary Guyton

The Miami Dolphins have added a familiar face to their roster, signing former New England Patriots linebacker Gary Guyton to a one year-deal, according to a report.  

Financial details of the move remain unclear, but Guyton will add depth to a linebacker core that looks to be very strong in 2012.

Although not drafted coming out of Georgia Tech in 2008, Guyton made an instant impact with the Patriots as rookie, starting in two games and appearing in 15, finishing with 34 tackles.

After the retirement of Tedy Bruschi, Guyton assumed a starting role for the Patriots in 2009, posting a career-high 85 tackles and a pair of sacks.  He followed that up with a 2010 campaign in which he started eight of 16 games and totaled 63 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions, one of which he returned for a score.

His role diminished in 2011, playing in just 13 games as well as being inactive for Super Bowl XLVI. 

Guyton made a name for himself when he posted a blazing 4.47 40-time at the NFL Combine, although it proved not enough to land him a spot in the draft.

In Miami, Guyton will likely vie for a starting strong side linebacker role under new defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle.  The Dolphins have already announced their intentions of moving Koa Misi to inside linebacker, making the possibility of a Guyton, Misi and Karlos Dansby trio a strong possibility.

The Dolphins finished 6-10 in 2011.