Dolphins release, free agency and trades news

Tim Daniels wrote:The Miami Dolphins are reportedly set to release veteran offensive tackle Branden Albert on Thursday after three seasons with the organization.

Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network first reported the news and noted Laremy Tunsil is expected to shift outside to tackle to fill the void. Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald confirmed the expected roster move.

The decision doesn't come as a major surprise given the financial implications.

Albert had two seasons left on the five-year, $47 million contract he signed with the Dolphins in 2014, according to Spotrac. His cap hit for the 2017 campaign would have been $10.6 million, but letting him go leaves just $3.4 million in dead cap space.

Roto wire wrote:Ekpre-Olomu (knee) was cut by the Dolphins on Thursday, Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports.

Ekpre-Olomu never played a snap for the Dolphins, so it isn't surprising to see him go. He will look to recover from his knee injury and then likely fight for a spot on an NFL roster this coming fall.

Alec Nathan wrote:The Miami Dolphins signed defensive end Mario Williams to a two-year deal prior to the 2016 season, but they cut ties with the former No. 1 overall draft pick Thursday following an underwhelming inaugural campaign in South Florida.

Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald first reported the Dolphins had parted ways with the 32-year-old. Albert Breer of The MMQB confirmed Williams' release.

There is also a significant savings in cutting Mitchell. He was scheduled to cost $4.5 million against the cap but with today’s release, the Dolphins save $4 million of that.

Mitchell, 29, was supposed to enter his final season of a four-year deal.

Mitchell spent most of training camp nursing a calf injury. He got healthy enough to play in the regular-season opener and then re-injured the same calf in the game. He spent the next seven games on injured reserve.

The Dolphins needed Mitchell so they assigned him as their lone player eligible to return from the IR list. Mitchell returned and after playing as a substitute three weeks, regained his starting job the final five games of the season. He finished with 17 total tackles.

The Dolphins decided the potential for another 17 tackles season was not worth the $4 million savings of cutting Mitchell.

This moves means Jordan Phillips, entering his third season, is expected to take over as the starter.

Birdmond wrote:Just in: Albert will not be cut.  It appears some teams are interested in trading for Albert.  

rightchea wrote:

Birdmond wrote:Just in: Albert will not be cut.  It appears some teams are interested in trading for Albert.  

that even better. Get at least a 3rd or 4th round pick for him.

...Aqib Talib (who was with Adam Gase in Denver) and Richard Sherman (whose game fits Miami’s style), among others. Sherman has two years, $22 million in base salary left on his existing deal; Talib is due $30 million over the next three.

Money wouldn’t be an option with either, as the Dolphins are expected to have some $50 million in cap space.

For the Dolphins to make a trade happen, they would either have to surrender a starting player, a high draft pick -- or possibly both. They have options; Branden Albert isn’t part of Miami’s 2017 plans but remains on the roster, making him an intriguing bargaining chip.

JMP wrote:Davon House is a decent slot corner. He did have an excellent 2015 season, but I'm not sure he's worth his salary - on the hook for $6 million in both 2017 and 2018. An upgrade over McCain for sure, but I wouldn't want to trade a pick for him...it shouldn't be difficult to find a decent slot corner somewhere else. If we could get him for Albert and not have to give up a pick, I guess that would be OK.

rightchea wrote:I have to agree as well. IMO, Sherman is probably the only one that I would want in Miami.