Top 5 destinations for Karlos Dansby

The Miami Dolphins recently released Karlos Dansby and there are a lot of teams in serious need for middle linebacker help. The 2013 NFL draft doesn’t offer many options for teams to fill their needs at linebacker and that will make Dansby a very hot commodity.

These are the top 5 destinations for Karlos Dansby in 2013.

5. Atlanta Falcons

The simple fact is Akeem Dent is not a big enough impact player on the Falcons defense. He doesn’t fly around the field like you want your middle linebacker to be. And the Falcons would be wise to make an instant upgrade with Karlos Dansby. Dansby has always been a solid veteran, and would love to play for a team that is contending for a title. How much money Dansby wants will dictate this move, but the Falcons are in a win it all now mentality. That mentality will force their hands in many decisions, and Dansby can be one of them.

4. Denver Broncos

The Broncos went a little too old when they had Keith Brooking as their middle linebacker after injuries popped up at the position. However Karlos Dansby is exactly the type of veteran presence the Broncos are looking for, and his age is not as suspect as Brooking. The Broncos are up against a draft that won’t have that many great prospects and they pick 28^th overall. That thinking process will make Dansby a high likelihood in 2013.

3. Buffalo Bills

The Bills have needed linebacker help for a while now, and Kevlin Sheppard is not the answer. Dansby can be the veteran presence they desire, and he can make an instant impact in 2013. The Bills can also focus on adding depth at other positions in the draft if they sign Dansby as well. It’s a common consensus that the Bills will draft a quarterback and a guard in the first, two rounds, and that means signing Dansby will be a way to relieve the Bills of some of their anxiety of not being able to find the solution to the middle linebacker position in the latter rounds.

2. Chicago Bears

One word: Brian Urlacher. He’s not likely to come back in 2013, and even if he came back doesn’t mean he will last the entire season. Dansby will be able to step in, and the Bears can focus on other needs. It’s all about filling needs in the draft, and middle linebackers are a reach in the first round this year. Why not get a solid veteran instead of a player who simply isn’t ready or doesn’t have enough talent to be the starter in year one.

1. New York Giants

The Giants have been trying to find a replacement for Antonio Pierce for three seasons so far. The linebacker depth on the Giants is laughable at this point. And Dansby can help solidify the depth. Dansby will also want to find a Super Bowl contender for his services, and the Giants have an organization that has got the job done twice in the last six seasons. Those are very good odds, and Dansby will feel right at home if he signs with New York.

Bottom-line is the Miami Dolphins released Karlos Dansby, because Daniel Ellerbe is better, but that still doesn’t mean Dansby isn’t a solid starter in the NFL anymore.

James Cobern is a Featured Journalist for TPF and can be contacted at JCobern@ThePenaltyFlagBlog.com.