Oct 1, 2017; London, United Kingdom; Miami Dolphins center Mike Pouncey (51) defends as quarterback Jay Cutler (6) prepares to throw a pass against the New Orleans Saints during the NFL International Series game at Wembley Stadium. The Saints defeated the Dolphins 20-0. Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Miami Dolphins, who were expected to release three-time Pro Bowl selection Mike Pouncey, prepared for the move by acquiring fellow center Daniel Kilgore from the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday.
The Dolphins weren’t done, however, as they signed former four-time Pro Bowl guard Josh Sitton to a two-year deal, according to multiple outlets. The Chicago Bears declined to pick up an $8 million option to retain Sitton on Feb. 20.
Kilgore was acquired in exchange for undisclosed compensation, the 49ers announced.
Pouncey told the Palm Beach Post that he declined the Dolphins’ request for him to take a pay cut.
“I gave this city everything I had. I’m heartbroken,” the 28-year-old Pouncey told the newspaper.
Pouncey was signed through the 2020 season as part of a five-year contract extension he inked in 2015. The Dolphins will save $7 million on their salary cap following the release of Pouncey, who was named to the Pro Bowl in 2013-15.
Last season, Pouncey played in his first 16-game campaign since 2012. Pouncey has played in 93 games since the Dolphins selected him with the 15th overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.
“At the end of the day, I’m a Miami Dolphin for life. I think it was awesome,” Pouncey told the Palm Beach Post. “I had a hell of a ride here. We’ll see what the next chapter is.”
The next chapter in Miami presumably will be Kilgore, who must pass a physical for the trade to be completed.
“On behalf of the entire organization I want to thank Dan for everything he contributed to this team and the Bay Area community over the last seven seasons,” 49ers general manager John Lynch said. “When Kyle (Shanahan) and I arrived last offseason, we knew right away that he was a well-respected leader in the locker room and a true professional. We are pleased to be able to help find Dan a great situation to be able to continue his career, and we wish him and his wife, Megan, the very best.”
Kilgore signed a three-year contract extension through the 2020 season last month.
The 30-year-old started all 16 games at center last season for the 49ers. He was named the winner of the team’s Bobb McKittrick Award, which is given annually to the 49ers offensive lineman who best represents the courage, intensity and sacrifice displayed by the longtime offensive line coach.
Selected by the 49ers in the fifth round of the 2011 NFL Draft out of Appalachian State, Kilgore has appeared in 74 regular-season games, including 39 starts, and six postseason contests during his seven-year career.
Kilgore has started each of the 49ers’ last 32 regular-season games.
Sitton started 25 of the 26 games in which he played for the Bears after joining the team in 2016. The 31-year-old sat out the final two contests of the 2017 season with an ankle injury.
Sitton entered the league with the Green Bay Packers in 2008 and spent five seasons with the club.
