Miami Dolphins sign center J.D. Walton to a one-year deal

Almost immediately after his visit, the Miami Dolphins have signed veteran center J.D. Walton to a one-year deal in hopes of adding some much-needed depth to the offensive line. Walton, who is 27-years-old, has played mainly center but can also play guard. The current Dolphins regime loves guys who can play multiple positions so Waldon would be a good fit for depth purposes. he will likely fill Nate Garner's role, who was released several weeks ago due to his inability to fully recover from severe migraines.

“I would like to welcome J.D. to the Miami Dolphins,” said Dolphins General Manager Dennis Hickey. “He is a young, but experienced player who will be a positive addition to our offensive line.”

The 6-3, 305-pound Walton joins Miami after spending the previous season with the New York Giants (2014) as well as prior stints with the Washington Redskins (2013) and Denver Broncos (2010-13). He was originally a third-round selection (80th overall) of the Broncos in the 2010 NFL draft. In his career, he has started all 52 games in which he has played and also has started two playoff games, both as a member of the Broncos in 2011. In 2014, he started all 16 games at center for the Giants and helped block for an offense that finished 10th in the NFL in yards per game (367.2) and seventh in passing yards per game (267.0).

Walton played collegiately at Baylor (2007-09) after transferring from Arizona State (2005) where he redshirted as a true freshman. In his three seasons at Baylor, Walton started all 36 games he played in and earned first-team All-America honors as a senior, becoming the school’s first offensive or defensive player in 18 seasons to achieve that distinction. He was also a finalist for the Rimington Trophy (nation’s best center) as a senior and was named to the Big 12 Conference Commissioner’s Honor Roll in all three seasons for the Bears. Born March 24, 1987, Walton attended Allen High School in Allen, Texas.

This story was written by Matthew Cannata. Follow him on Twitter: @PhinManiacs. Information also came via the Miami Dolphins Media Department.