Derrick Shelby to Falcons: Latest Contract Details, Comments and Reaction

Defensive end Derrick Shelby reached an agreement on Wednesday with the Atlanta Falcons, according to both Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network and Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports. 

It's a four-year, $18 million contract with $7.5 million guaranteed and a max value of $21 million, per ESPN's Field Yates. 

Shelby's numbers won't jump off the page because he's not a prototypical edge-rusher. He's tallied just nine sacks in 63 career games since the Miami Dolphins signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2012. He's also registered 105 combined tackles, four forced fumbles and two interceptions.

His best work is on display when setting the edge against the run. It's not a glamorous job, and the amount of attention that comes from it is far less than somebody putting up 15 sacks, but it's an important aspect, especially on the early downs.

The Dolphins front office realized his contributions. Andrew Abramson of the Palm Beach Post passed along thoughts from executive vice president of football operations Mike Tannenbaum:

Given the fact Miami had other issues to deal with concerning other free agents, including fellow defensive end Olivier Vernon, it didn't come as a surprise that Shelby wasn't its top offseason priority.

That said, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle always felt he was a good value target:

In the end, he decided it was time for a new chapter of his career. It's not much of a surprise, given the fact the Dolphins already have a lot of money tied up in the defensive line. They will try to find a cheaper alternative in free agency or through the draft to fill the void.

It's not a high-profile signing for the Falcons, but it should provide a nice boost to the defensive line in 2016.