Culver signs extension

Way back in February, I compiled a list of the five players I deemed to be Miami's best prospects.

Number 5 on that list was S Tyrone Culver.

Here is what I wrote:

It's clear that the coaching staff likes Culver since he basically assumed the role of the extra defender in most dime packages and some nickel packages by the end of the year, passing guys like Joey Thomas and Jason Allen on the depth chart. He made the most of his limited playing time as well, recording 35 tackles, 3 passes defensed and 1 interception. Even though he was released once during the season, he was brought back the very next week. He played a big role on special teams too, with 9 tackles.

Given the paucity of quality safeties currently on the team and the fact that one or both of last year's starters (Bell and Hill) may not be brought back, Culver is looking at a significant increase in playing time. That increased opportunity may be all he needs.

Clearly, the front office agrees with me, since they signed Culver to a two-year contract extension yesterday. He is now under contract with Miami for the next three seasons.

His yearly base salaries are as follows:
2009 - $875,000
2010 - $1.1 million
2011 - $1.25 million