Roster Trimming

A bit unexpected today, there was a flurry of moves by the Dolphins. Even though the first mandated roster cut (from 80 to 75 players) isn't until next Monday, the team did their business today, and then some.

The first news to break was that Miami has released Ernest Wilford. The only surprising thing about this move was the timing. A while back, I didn't expect Wilford to make it to camp, but when he did, I figured he'd be one of the last guys cut. To be honest, he's showed some promise in his position switch to tight end. The problem his, he is battling for the third TE job, and to do that, you need to play some special teams. Ernest does not and therefore Joey Haynos and John Nalbone offer a bit more.

The major aftereffect of this move is the salary cap hit. Armando Salguero of the Herald reports that because of some rule changes because of a possible uncapped year in the NFL in 2010, the Dolphins must absorb the rest of his signing bonus (which amounts to about $4.5 million) this year. That sounds bad on the surface, but I don't think we are in cap trouble this year and maybe it's better to get that money out of the way and not have it linger. The main thing it does is perhaps protect guys like Jason Allen, who if cut would pose more cap trouble.

Later, word got out that also cut were Anthony Kimble, Orion Martin, Joe Cohen, Tearrius George, and Chris Williams. None of those are surprising as these guys were longshots and haven't done much of note. Williams was actually injured on that muffed punt off his face and he is now on the waived/injured list. Once he clears waivers, he will likely get a small injury settlement and get on his way.

The last movement was a trade involving offensive linemen Andy Alleman and Ikechuku Ndukwe. They are headed to Kansas City and in return we get a 2010 draft pick (most likely a 5th or 6th round choice). This did surprise me a bit, since they both figured to be in the mix for the reserve offensive linemen spots. This makes me believe that the team is fully confident in Donald Thomas' health and abilities, and that Shawn Murphy is ready to fill in if needed.

Dolphins Sign OL McKinney

That headline might sound a little familiar, but Miami didn't sign former Dolphin Seth McKinney, instead they acquired his brother Steve McKinney. This came just days after Drew Mormino was unexpectedly cut. Mormino was an intriguing prospect who was very versatile on the offensive line. He was a center in college but was transitioning into a guard at the next level. His problem was a shoulder injury that cut short his 2007 season and was probably responsible for the failed physical which led to his release.

Steve McKinney is 33 and was most recently a member of the Houston Texans. He was cut in March because he is coming off an ACL injury and was due $1.35 million. Due to Miami's uncertainty at one of the guard spots, he will be given every opportunity to get healthy and be the starter. Most likely the team would want him to start at LG for several reasons. First, it would ensure there would only be one rookie on the unit (Jake Long, LT). Also, it would allow Justin Smiley to stay at his natural position of RG. Finally, it would allow the rookies competing for the spot to watch and learn with minimal playing time. While that all sounds great, we must remember he is in his 30's and coming off a knee injury. The more likely scenario is that he splits time with the rookies Shawn Murphy and Donald Thomas to ensure that trio stays healthy.