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Ex-Dolphins LB Kelvin Sheppard signs with Giants

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Sheppard a good addition for Giants (1:50)

ESPN NFL Insider Bill Polian explains why LB Kelvin Johnson was an attractive free agent to the New York Giants as well as how the Miami Dolphins will fill the void left by Johnson and Olivier Vernon. (1:50)

Free-agent linebacker Kelvin Sheppard signed with the New York Giants on Monday.

He had tweeted Sunday that he had agreed to a contract with the team. The Giants didn't disclose terms of his contract.

He becomes the second player to leave the Dolphins this offseason to sign with the Giants, joining teammate Olivier Vernon, who signed a five-year, $85 million contract with New York earlier this year.

Sheppard played in all 16 games, including 13 starts, and recorded a career-high 105 tackles last season. However, Miami's defense struggled mightily against the run, ranking 28th, and Sheppard was part of the problem. The five-year veteran struggled to get off blocks and make enough plays at or behind the line of scrimmage.

Sheppard also had issues defending quality tight ends and slot receivers in coverage. Sheppard, 28, spent the past two seasons with the Dolphins and also has played for the Indianapolis Colts and Buffalo Bills.

ESPN Dolphins reporter James Walker contributed to this report.