Dolphins sign Brian Hartline for 5 years

MIAMI, March 8 (UPI) -- The Miami Dolphins signed receiver Brian Hartline to a five-year deal days before he was set to become a free agent, The Palm Beach (Fla.) Post reported.

Citing a source it did not name, the newspaper said Hartline -- who was set to become a free agent Tuesday -- signed the contract Thursday night.

The contract guarantees $12.5 million over five years and the source said Hartline will likely receive a signing bonus of $8 million.

The Dolphins signed defensive tackle Randy Starks three days ago to keep him with the team and negotiations are ongoing for the franchise to hang onto free agents Jake Long and Matt Moore.