Fins splash out on Wilson

Wilson: Miami move

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The Miami Dolphins splashed out $27.5 million to sign former Oakland Raiders safety Gibril Wilson, while also securing the future of linebacker Channing Crowder.

Wilson was released by the Raiders last week, but has quickly secured a new team before the start of the free agency period on Friday by moving to South Florida.

The Dolphins have been one of the busier teams in market moves recently, and they stepped up their planning for the new season by agreeing on a five-year deal with the 27-year-old.

Wilson's deal includes $8 million of guaranteed money, with $16.5 million coming in the first three of the five years.

A five-year NFL veteran, Wilson spent four seasons with the New York Giants and started at safety for their Super Bowl victory against the New England Patriots.

Tackles

Wilson played at strong safety for the Raiders last year, and recorded 129 tackles and two interceptions during 15 games.

The Dolphins will now try and sign-up last year's starting safety Yeremiah Bell to avoid him going into free agency, but fellow starter Renaldo Hill looks to be on his way out.

One man staying at Dolphins Stadium, however, is linebacker Channing Crowder, who signed a multi-year contract with the team just before the start of free agency.

The former University of Florida star was close to testing the market after failing to come to an agreement with the Dolphins, but the two parties managed to find an accord.

"Things change. There was compromise by both sides," said Crowder's agent, Joel Segal.

"Channing wanted to be back with the Dolphins."

Crowder made a career best 114 tackles last season after moving from outside to middle linebacker, and was second on the team in tackles.

Criticism has still come for his lack of big plays, with no career interceptions in four seasons, and only 1.5 sacks and three fumbles recovered - but his solid tackling is still an asset to the fast-improving defence.