Eric Steinbach knows Joe Philbin because the NFL veteran lineman played for the coach at Iowa.
And now he'll try to play for him with the Dolphins.
Steinbach today signed a one-year deal with the team.
Steinbach didn't play in 2011 because he suffered a back injury that landed him on the Cleveland Browns injured reserve list. The injury required surgery. He was cut by the Browns but has drawn interest from the Ravens, who worked him out recently.
Steinbach, 32, also worked out for the Dolphins who were much more aggressive in making a decision on the veteran. The signing is indicative of Miami's uncertainty at right guard where neither third-year player John Jerry nor veteran free agent addition Artis Hicks seemed impressive in camps and OTAs.
The Dolphins waived Derek Dennis to make room for Steinbach on the roster.
It is unclear if Steinbach is completely healed of his back issue or will require more time. The Dolphins have mitigated their risk on Steinbach by signing him to a one-year contract.
Steinbach, 6-foot-6 and 295 pounds, began his career with Cincinnati from 2003-2006 then joined the Browns until he was cut. The former second-round pick has started 124 of the 125 games he's played. I'm told the reason the Dolphins excited Steinbach because he expects to start in Miami.
If he's healthy, that's a practical certainty.
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