Packers sign Merling

May 23, 2012 - 4:41 PM Green Bay, WI (Sports Network) - The Green Bay Packers have signed defensive end Phillip Merling, who spent his first four NFL seasons with the Miami Dolphins.

Merling was selected by Miami with a second-round pick in 2008 and appeared in 46 games with three starts for the Dolphins. He posted 66 tackles, including 50 solo, with 3 1/2 sacks, two fumble recoveries and an interception he returned for a touchdown.

The 27-year-old Clemson product played just 10 games last season and only five in 2010 after appearing in all 16 games each of his first two years.

Green Bay also released tight end Cameron Ford and quarterback Nick Hill.