Dolphins Sign Free Agent LB Donald Butler

The Miami Dolphins signed free agent linebacker Donald Butler on Tuesday, the team announced on Wednesday.. Butler, 28 in October, was a third round pick (79th overall) by the San Diego Chargers in 2010, out of the University of Washington. He played four seasons for San Diego, but has had difficulty staying on the field since injuring his elbow late in the 2014 campaign.

After sitting out the entire 2015 season, Butler, 6'1", 242, is apparently now healthy enough to have convinced Miami's front office to sign him for the remainder of this year. With seven career sacks, three interceptions, five forced fumbles and two defensive touchdowns, he should provide added depth for the team, as well as give them greater positional flexibility. Hailing from Sacramento, California, and having played collegiately in the state of Washington, Butler has never played, at any level, for a team not based on the West Coast. There's a first time for everything.