The Dolphins are nearing a contract agreement with defensive tackle Randy Starks that would keep him in Miami, according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (Twitter link). While La Canfora suggests it’ll be worth $6MM per season, Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald (Twitter link) hears that figure is “way too ambitious.” Either way, it looks like the two sides are on their way to working something out.
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. Assuming Starks gets locked up though, he’ll join Earl Mitchell on the new-look Miami d-line, as the former Texan appears poised to join the Dolphins.