Miami Dolphins Sign Dannell Ellerbe, Former Baltimore Ravens ILB
By Mike Dyce
Jan 12, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Dannell Ellerbe (59) during the third quarter of the AFC divisional round playoff game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field. The Ravens won 38-35 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Ravens linebacker Dannell Ellerbe wanted to stay with the Baltimore Ravens, the team that gave him a chance as an undrafted free agent.
“There’s always a chance, and that’s what I’m hoping will happen,” Ellerbe said originally. “The Ravens are a perfect situation for me. Hopefully, it’s a perfect situation for me to sign on the dotted line.”
Aaron Wilson, of the Baltimore Sun tweeted out of the news:
“Ravens linebacker Dannell Ellerbe reaches agreement in principle with Miami Dolphins, per a league source with knowledge of deal.”
“It’s a huge opportunity with Ray retiring. Getting paid isn’t everything I want out of playing football. I want to get the accolades. I want the Pro Bowls. I got enough years left in me. So, this is just the beginning.”
Apparently those sentiments didn’t last long. It isn’t known yet whether the move to the Dolphins brings a bigger pay day than he could have got in Baltimore. With the $120 million contract Joe Flacco was just awarded they could be tight and couldn’t afford to keep Ellerbe.
Maybe he wanted to get out form Ray Lewis’ shadow and be able to make a name for his self and as the Dolphins seem to continue to bulk up on offense, this is their first move to bulk up defensively.