After a month of evaluating the roster talent in this "make or break" 2015 year for Philbin (yeah, we've heard that one played before, eh?), the Dolphins cut both WR Brian Hartline and WR Brandon Gibson. The two moves clears out $6.4 million in contracts making the Dolphins at about $9 million under the cap.

As Rich stated on the forum, the following cuts would put the Dolphins at $35 million under the cap:

• Dannell Ellerbe - $5.65 million savings
• Cortland Finnegan - $5.475 million savings
• Randy Starks - $5 million savings
• Earl Mitchell - $4.5 million savings
• Phillip Wheeler - $3 million savings (if designated June 1st)
• Shelly Smith - $2.75 million savings
• Nate Garner - $1.65 million savings
• Dallas Thomas - $458K savings

While I am a Brian Hartline fan, he is definitely overpaid for what he produced last year. I am wondering if that PCL injury that he had affected his ability to get open in the new Lazor offense. Releasing both Hartline and Gibson were expected, and we should see several other cuts in the coming week as the Dolphins try to sign impending free agents DE/DT Jared Odrick and TE Charles Clay. Both have been told that they are wanted back in Miami.

It looks like WR Rishard Matthews will be back with the Dolphins and will probably stay in the doghouse. He asked to be released or traded but the Dolphins said, "You're cheap and talented. Are you crazy?" (well, something to that effect;) Hopefully the Dolphins will utilize him more this year. He is another receiver who saw less passes thrown his way last year in the new offense.

Next week I will start our Miami Dolphins mock database as the current roster moves by the Dolphins creates a lot of changes in the mocks.

Go Dolphins!

Big Dave