The Dolphins have reached a contract agreement with defensive tackle Randy Starks that will keep him in Miami, reports Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports (via Twitter). The contract will be a two-year deal worth $12MM, according to Garafolo. Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com first reported that the two sides were nearing an agreement worth about $6MM annually.
Starks, 30, has traditionally been better at rushing the passer than stopping the run, but he was excellent in both facets of the game in 2013. He ranked seventh overall among 69 qualified defensive tackles last season, according to Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics (subscription required).
It seemed as if Miami might be prepared to let both Starks and fellow free agent DT Paul Soliai walk in free agency, as reports suggested last week the team had not offered either player a deal. Now that Starks is set to return though, he’ll join Earl Mitchell, who also agree to terms today, on Miami’s defensive line.
As I noted in my preview of this year’s top free agents, Starks has been in the NFL since 2004, but is still just 30 years old, so the modest two-year deal looks like a decent value for the Dolphins.