New Orleans Saints: 5 Best Offseason Moves

Aug 16, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins middle linebacker Dannell Ellerbe (59) calls a play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

4. Trading for inside linebacker Dannell Ellerbe

Back in 2012, Ellerbe was a starter for the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII at the Louisiana Superdome. Now he’ll be calling that facility his home after being dealt to the Saints as part of the deal that sent Kenny Stills to the Miami Dolphins.

The talented pro was signed as an unrestricted free agent by Miami in 2013 and while he put up good numbers for Joe Philbin’s team, he wasn’t comfortable as the middle linebacker in the team’s 4-3 defense compared to being an inside linebacker in the 3-4. The club moved him to outside linebacker in 2014 but he was injured in Week 1 vs. the New England Patriots and lost for the season. Ellerbe will team with David Hawthorne in Rob Ryan’s 3-4 defense – a scheme in which he should be far more comfortable.

Next: Max-ing Out