MIAMI -- The Dolphins signed former Philadelphia Eagles guard and first-round pick Danny Watkins to a one-year contract Tuesday.
Watkins, selected 23rd overall by the Eagles in the 2011 draft, was released by Philadelphia on Saturday.
"It's huge for me," Watkins said of the change of scenery. "I've struggled in Philadelphia. I don't want to dwell too much on the past, but there's definitely some issues there. This is huge for me. It's a very exciting time for me and my family."
The move adds depth and competition to one of the thinnest areas of the team.
"He has a lot of football left in him," Watkins' agent, Joe Panos, told ESPN.com Tuesday morning. "The best thing to happen to him is to get out of Philadelphia. He needs a fresh start and the Dolphins realize that."
Earlier this summer, Miami lost starting right guard John Jerry to a knee injury and it sent the offensive line scrambling. The team even considered moving center Mike Pouncey to guard.
Bringing Watkins on board means he can be the first guard off the bench in the event a starter gets injured. Watkins also has the potential to eventually push Jerry for reps once he learns the Dolphins' offense.
To make room for Watkins, the Dolphins released backup guard/center Josh Samuda on Tuesday.
Samuda had posted a goodbye to the Dolphins on Twitter before his release was announced.
Thanks Miami For The Love And Support.... But my time has come to end here... Love you all
— Josh Samuda (@Josh_YM_Samuda) September 3, 2013
Miami was aggressive in the offseason, spending more than $200 million in total value of contracts since March to upgrade the team.
