Several teams made critical cuts on Friday in preparation for free agency beginning. In need of salary cap space, teams were forced to cut high-cost contracts in order to clear up room for improvement. The Miami Dolphins were one of those franchises as two of their long-time offensive stars were released. With Brian Hartline and Brandon Gibson out, does Mike Wallace stay put?
With several offseason moves in the works, the Dolphins needed cap space. The team announced Friday they were releasing both Hartline and Gibson, saving $5.95 million in cap space. Both receivers had their moments with the Dolphins as they leave big holes on the roster. Hartline was coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, but struggled in 2014 with just 474 yards and two touchdowns. Gibson was in his second year with the team and struggled with a knee injury that kept him to just 295 yards and one touchdown.
The moves likely means Wallace is staying put. The Dolphins have not been hiding the fact that the receiver's future was uncertain thanks to the three years and $32.75 million remaining on his contract. The Dolphins have been trying to negotiation a restructured deal for the wide receiver but the Miami Herald is reporting Wallace has turned that idea down. The trade market for Wallace is slim to none. No one wants his contract on the pay roll, but can the Dolphins afford to release him?
Yes, releasing Wallace saves a lot of money for the team. But it means that the receiving rotation is down to Jarvis Landry. He had a great rookie season, but needs help. The Miami Herald reports the Dolphins are aiming to re-sign Charles Clay to a contract, but again, that is not enough. The team could use their No. 14 draft pick to try and get someone. Both Kevin White and Amari Cooper will be gone, but DeVante Parker or Sammie Coates are could be options. They could also try and sign a free agent to a cap-friendly deal. Michael Crabtree, Torrey Smith or Jeremy Maclin are certainly options.
The Dolphins are investing in Ryan Tannehill. A contract extension is expected this offseason. Keeping Wallace might be the best move in order to give the quarterback another target to work with. Cutting Wallace means the Dolphins have to find someone new in a hurry and they might prioritize other moves first.
