The deadline for all NFL teams to trim their roster down to 53 players is tonight at 9 pm Eastern. The Miami Dolphins entered the day with 74 players on the roster, needing to make 21 cuts in order to meet the league limit. Late last night the Dolphins cleared one roster spot by trading backup centre Ryan Cook to the Dallas Cowboys for a seventh round pick. Considering Miami planned to release Cook, they got good value in return and a chip that will help them avoid waiting in the waiver wire line.
News also broke today that the Dolphins had brought in several players for a wrokout including defensive backs Drew Coleman, Roderick Hood and Donald Strickland along with wide recievers Mike Sims-Walker, Brian Tyms and Donte’ Stallworth. As of now none have been signed to a contract but keep an eye on Hood and Sims-Walker as possible additions to the Dolphins roster.
Reports have also been circulating today that the Dolphins and Washington Redskins have a deal in place to send WR Anthony Armstrong to Miami for RB Steve Slaton. While the trade has yet to be confirmed, Armstrong would be an upgrade to the current recieving core and Slaton was made expendable after the team drafted running back Lamar Miller in April. The possible acquisition of Armstrong is a solid move for the Dolphins however him alone is not enough and the wide reciever search must continue. If a deal is not reached, Anthony Armstrong will be released and expect the Dolphins to pursue him. Two intriguing recievers were released by the Packers earlier today- Diondre Borel and Tori Gurley-and Miami would be wise to put in a claim.
Trade speculation has also begun to swirl around Dolphins backup quarterback Matt Moore. With David Garrard working his way back from a knee injury, Moore has become available. Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports has confirmed that the Packers, Cardinals and Broncos have shown interest in the Dolphins 2011 team MVP. It seems like it is only a matter of time until Moore is dealt, the only questions are to which team and what will Miami get in return.
The Dolphins final cuts can be found below. Although Miami has now assembled their 53 man roster, waiver wire additions would require more players to be released.
CB Vince Agnew*: Agnew had a weak preseason and didn’t do nearly enough to earn the fourth cornerback spot. That role will likely be given to a waiver wire or free agent addition.
LB Gary Guyton: Similar to Agnew, Guyton had a poor showing in the preseason and was hampered by injuries. Guyton had served as the backup to Karlos Dansby.
CB Quinten Lawrence*: Lawrence was beat down the field on several occasions during the preseason so this was not a surprising cut. He was also competing for the fourth cornerback spot.
WR BJ Cunningham*: Cunningham, a 6th round pick in this years draft, never showed signs of being an NFL calibre wide reciever. Cunningham was extremely inconsistent throughout the preseason.
WR Clyde Gates: Many anticpated this release as the fourth round pick from the 2010 draft was never able to use his speed as an asset and become a vertical threat. Gates is still a very raw player but his potential wasn’t worth using a roster spot for.
WR Roberto Wallace: Wallace has all the traits to be a great NFL wide reciever but does not have the abilty to seperate from coverage. The Dolphins gave him plenty of opportunities, now it’s time to move on.
WR Jeff Fuller*: Fuller had a decent showing in the preseason but was not able to have the breakout game needed to seal his roster spot. In the end his connections with Ryan Tannehill and Mike Sherman were not enough.
DE Jamaal Westerman: One of the biggest surprises of the day, Westerman was thought to be one of the Dolphins best pass rushers. He was simply out played by his competition for the backup role.
WR Chris Hogan*: Given the nickname 7-11 by his teammates during training camp, Hogan wasn’t able to translate his success during practice on gameday. Great talent and potential, just needs some work.
Other cuts include DT Ryan Baker, OG Chandler Burden*, LB Cameron Collins*, OG Ray Feinga*, CB Kevyn Scott*, LB Shelly Lyons, OT Lydon Murtha, DT Isaako Aaitui*, DE Jarrell Root, OT Andrew McDonald*, OT Will Barker, and S Anderson Russell.
*Player is eligible to join the practice squad.
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