Gary Guyton agrees to terms with Dolphins

Free agent linebacker Gary Guyton has agreed to term on a one-year contract with the Dolphins, The Herald's Barry Jackson is reporting.

Guyton, 26 , played for the New England Patriots since 2008 after signing with the team as an undrafted free agent. He started 32 games in his four years with the Patriots, with 16 of those coming in 2009 when he had 85 total tackles.

Guyton started six games in 2011. He will be expected to compete for a starting linebacker job but also figures as a backup and special teams contributor if he's unable to earn a starting spot.

Guyton is a 4-3 outside linebacker type. He is 6-4 and 245 pounds. He will compete with Koa Misi for the starting job.

Big deal? No.

He's an acorn. That is the tale of this 2012 free agency period for the Dolphins.