Dolphins release veteran receiver Brian Hartline The Miami...

Dolphins release veteran receiver Brian Hartline

The Miami Dolphins have released longtime wide receiver Brian Hartline, the team’s official website reported on Friday.

Hartline was due to make $5.9 million in 2015, the third year of a $30.8 million, five-year deal he signed in 2013.

Hartline’s salary cap hit this year was $7.35 million. His release clears $5.95 million in cap space cap as the Dolphins prepare for free agency beginning March 10.

Hartline, drafted by Miami in the fourth round of the 2009 draft. After registering 1,083 yards in 2012 and 1,016 yards in 2013, Hartline took a step back in 2014 with a disappointing campaign where he caught only 39 passes for 474 yards and two scores. The 28-year-old has 4,243 yards and 12 touchdowns through six seasons in the league.

The Dolphins are still weighing whether to keep their other starting receiver, Mike Wallace, who has three years left on a $60 million, five-year contract. He was unhappy not to be targeted more last season, and coach Joe Philbin benched him in the second half of the final game after an argument between the star receiver and coaching staff.

Wallace led the Dolphins with 10 touchdowns in 2014, but they may release or trade him to avoid paying his $9.85 million salary for this season.

Jarvis Landry, who led Miami with 84 receptions as a rookie last year, is expected to move into a starting role. Receiver may also be a priority in free agency and the draft.

Full article from Kickoff Coverage via http://ift.tt/1LSdfIc