Dolphins Franchise Stone

Stud Linebacker Inked to Long Term Deal
By "Skip Jackson"

Pre-Season 2180 (Davie, FL) - Late last night, the Miami Dolphins signed linebacker Joe Stone to a long-term contract, paying the five-year veteran $12 million per year. Stone, the number one overall pick of the 2175 draft, has continued to improve on his already impressive speed and quickness, while adding a bit of bulk to the package in the off-season.

'I believe we have the best, most athletic linebackers in the league,' said Miami GM Mike Piper. 'And now, another key part of that corps has committed to Miami for the foreseeable future.'

Stone is expected to start at outside linebacker this year, allowing All-Pro Don Wilkinson to move inside along with veteran Terry Summers. The team hopes that Stone's speed and quickness off the snap will allow him to put serious pressure on opposing quarterbacks, providing a bit of relief to Miami's embattled secondary. We will know soon enough, as the Dolphins opens tonight against division rival Baltimore at Sun Life Stadium.

Back