MARQUES DOUGLAS SIGNS TWO YEAR DEAL

On Thursday, the Dolphins lost projected starting defensive end Phillip Merling to a season ending Achilles' tendon injury. With 1st round draft pick Jared Odrick now expected to be the full time starter in 2010, the Dolphins acted quickly to find Odrick's primary backup. On Friday, the Dolphins signed former Jets' defensive end Marques Douglas to a two year, $2.5 million contract.

While backing up Odrick at right defensive end, the 33 year old Douglas will also compete with veteran holdovers Tony McDaniel and Lionel Dotson for playing time. Douglas played for the Jets last year and during his career has also played for the Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers and the New Orleans Saints.

Douglas, who was the Jets' fourth leading tackler in 2009, played under new Dolphins defensive coordinator in both Baltimore and San Francisco. With his addition to the team, it appears the Dolphins will not pursue a trade with the Dallas Cowboys for Marcus Spears.

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