Written by ESPN at ESPN.com
The Miami Dolphins released veteran defensive players Mario Williams and Earl Mitchell on Thursday, freeing up $12.5 million on their salary cap, but starting left tackle Branden Albert wasn’t also released as expected.
Albert’s name was not on the NFL’s official transactions wire Thursday, though both he and his agent were informed Thursday morning that the Dolphins planned to release him, sources told ESPN. According to sources, the Dolphins received enough interest from around the league after news that Albert would be released broke that they will try to trade the veteran offensive lineman, though a trade can’t be completed until the new league year starts on March 9.
One possible team of interest could be the Denver Broncos. Former Dolphins defensive coordinator Vance Joseph is now the head coach in Denver and knows Albert well. Joseph could use Albert’s veteran presence on the field and leadership in the locker room in his first season with the Broncos. Albert also is familiar with the AFC West as a longtime player with the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Miami Herald was first to report that the Dolphins had received trade interest in Albert.
The Dolphins also waived cornerback Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, who was placed on injured reserve in September with a knee injury. The team had claimed him off waivers from the Cleveland Browns last summer.
Albert has two years left on his contract, but neither season carries any guaranteed money. He is scheduled to be paid $8.9 million and will count $10.6 million against the cap in 2017. If the Dolphins release him, they will save $7.2 million on their cap, leaving $3.4 million in dead money on the cap.
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