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After seven years in aqua, defensive tackle Paul Soliai will now don the red and black of the Atlanta Falcons after signing with them as a free agent today. Soliai was originally drafted by the Miami Dolphins in 2007 and has spent his entire career with the South Florida franchise.
In seven years with the Dolphins, Soliai has appeared in 99 games, starting 63 of them. Playing as both a nose tackle and a defensive tackle, Soliai has recorded 4.5 sacks in his career, with 160 tackles, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. He's also defended 12 passes. He was selected to the Pro Bowl after the 2011 season.
After completing his rookie contract in 2010, Soliai was franchise tagged by Miami in 2011. After his Pro Bowl appearance, Soliai was signed to a two-year, $12-million contract. The contract he signed today is a five-year deal worth $33 million, with $14.5 million guaranteed.
The Dolphins signed former Houston Texans the cornerstone to the team's ability to play a hybrid 4-3/3-4 scheme. Currently, the Dolphins have Jared Odrick, A.J. Francis, and Isaako Aaitui on the roster, though none of them project as a nose tackle on a 3-4 defensive front.