DAVIE, Fla. (AP) _defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson, the first overall pick in the 1994 draft, signed a three-year deal with the Miami Dolphins on Monday.
Coach Nick Saban said he expects Wilkinson to compete for a starting job.
Wilkinson started all 48 games playing the past three seasons with the Detroit Lions before they released him in May. He began negotiating with the Dolphins in June and agreed to a deal more than two weeks into training camp.
Wilkinson, 33, was on the field for Monday morning's workout. He didn't participate in team drills but ran on the side.
``We're going to give him a little time to evaluate his conditioning and not just throw him to the wolves,'' Saban said. ``He adds depth to our team and is certainly a guy who can be a potential starter for us down the road when he figures out what to do.''
Wilkinson, who will compete for playing time with 36-year-old Keith Traylor, said he expects to be up to speed with his new team in two or three days.
``I've been playing so long, it doesn't take much,'' he said.
The Dolphins play their second exhibition game Saturday at Tampa Bay. To make room for Wilkinson the roster, they released undrafted rookie linebacker Trent Bray.
