Karlos Dansby and the Dolphins agreed to terms on a five-year contract that will make the free agent the highest-paid linebacker in the NFL, according to a league source.

Dansby’s deal is worth a maximum of $43 million, with $22 million guaranteed. Dansby will average $9 million over the first three years of the contract.

The Cardinals were making a strong push to retain the six-year veteran, who the team drafted in the second round in 2004, but Miami’s offer apparently was too enticing for Dansby to pass up.

Dansby has been a starter since his rookie season, and he has played both inside and outside linebacker. He made one of the most memorable plays in this year’s playoffs, returning Aaron Rodgers’ fumble 17 yards for a touchdown to give the Cardinals a 51-45 overtime victory over the Packers.

The Dolphins were eager to sign an impact defender such as Dansby after parting ways with LBs Joey Porter and Akin Ayodele on Friday.

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