Dolphins sign free agent defensive lineman Ziggy Hood - UPDATED

The Miami Dolphins are hosting free agent defensive end Ziggy Hood on a visit to the team’s facilities, according to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Hood was released by the Washington Redskins two weeks ago and could be seen as rotational help at both defensive end and defensive tackle for the Dolphins, who are still trying to find a run-stuffing, edge-setting defensive end following an injury to William Hayes.

Hood, who has primarily played defensive end in a 3-4 formation, was a first-round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2009. He played five seasons for the Steelers before sending 2014 with the Jacksonville Jaguars, then 2015 with the Chicago Bears, and the last three season with the Redskins. He has appeared in 133 games with 73 starts, recording 10 passes defensed, one forced fumble, five fumble recoveries, 229 tackles, and 14 sacks.

The Dolphins have been gashed on the ground the last several weeks, including allowing 188 yards to the Houston Texans in Week 8 and 248 yards to the Detroit Lions in Week 7. Adding a player like Hood could give the team a better run-defender option in rotations at both defensive end and defensive tackle.

UPDATE: Hood’s agent has announced the Dolphins signed the defensive lineman. The move takes one of the two empty roster spots the Dolphins had after releasing defensive tackle Jamiyus Pittman and safety Maurice Smith on Monday.