Three years ago, veteran linebacker Karlos Dansby was the biggest free agent signing for the Miami Dolphins and the biggest signing at his position in the league. The team released him today, along with fellow veteran linebacker Kevin Burnett.

“I would like to thank Karlos and Kevin for the contributions that they have made to the Miami Dolphins over the past few seasons,” said Dolphins General Manager Jeff Ireland. “They both made an impact on field and throughout the community and we wish them the best in future.”

Dansby led the Dolphins last season with a career-high 134 tackles (101 solo) and surpassed 100 tackles for the fourth time in his career. He quarterbacked the defense from his middle linebacker position and is entering his 10th season in the league. Fourth-year linebacker Dannell Ellerbe, signed as a free agent, will replace him on the roster.

Burnett joined Miami in 2011 and went over 100 tackles in each of his two seasons in the aqua and orange. Last year he finished with 110 tackles (80 solo), 2.5 sacks and five passes defensed and his two-year totals were 216 tackles (164 solo), five sacks, one interception (returned 34 yards for a touchdown) and one forced fumble. Fifth-year linebacker Philip Wheeler, also signed as a free agent, replaces him on the roster.