It is no secret that things went downhill last year between the Miami Dolphins and former linebacker Dannell Ellerbe. Miami never got the most out of its $35 million investment due to injuries and inconsistency, and Ellerbe wasn't thrilled when asked to play two different positions in two seasons.

Ellerbe stayed mostly quietly about his frustrations during his time in Miami. He spent 15 games on the disabled list last season with a hip injury.

But this offseason Ellerbe is more comfortable talking about what went wrong with the Dolphins following his recent trade to the New Orleans Saints. Ellerbe recently spoke to The Daily Journal on the difference between Miami and New Orleans.

"It's guys that want to win," Ellerbe said of the Saints. "I can honestly say it's a place that knows how to win."

Whether intentional, Ellerbe took a shot at his former team. Ellerbe signed with Miami in 2013 after winning a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens. He was expected to get the Dolphins over the hump, but they finished 8-8 in each of Ellerbe's two seasons. The Saints went 7-9 in 2014 but have playoff success in prior years.

Ellerbe also had interesting comments about the difference in fan support between Miami and New Orleans.

"I’m glad I’m getting back to a place with a great fan base and sold-out games," Ellerbe said. "I’m looking forward to it. It’s always awesome when you have a great backing, when you have sold-out games and the fans got your back and are 100 percent behind you."

Ellerbe also expressed disappointment to The Daily Journal that the Dolphins played him out of position. Miami made Ellerbe a middle linebacker in a 4-3 defense in 2013, which prompted a learning curve. The Dolphins switched Ellerbe to outside linebacker in 2014 in hopes of getting more playmaking. But Ellerbe was injured in the regular-season opener against the New England Patriots, and backup Jelani Jenkins turned out to be a better fit in Miami's defense.

A parting of ways between Ellerbe and the Dolphins was best for both parties.