Dolphins Sign Guard Lance Louis

The Miami Dolphins signed former Chicago Bears guard Lance Louis yesterday, adding another piece to the team's effort to upgrade with young players. The Dolphins added the 27-year old on a one-year contract.

"We are happy that Lance has joined our team," said Dolphins General Manager Jeff Ireland. "He will be a great addition to the offensive line both on the field and in the meeting room."

Louis spent the past four seasons with the Bears after being a seventh round pick by the team in 2009. He has 28 starts in 41 appearances over his career, and has started games at both guard and tackle positions.

Louis is most likely heading to the right guard position for the Dolphins, replacing John Jerry. The Dolphins were frustrated last year by Jerry's weight issues, that including the 6', 5" lineman reporting to training camp at a reported 390 pounds last year. Louis is listed at 6', 3", 320 pounds.

Louis is coming off an ACL tear last year, an injury he suffered when Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen hit Louis from the blind side. Allen was fined for the hit.

Miami still has needs at the right tackle, cornerback, and defensive end positions, and are likely not done in free agency yet.