The free agent pool continues to fill up with veterans prior to the market opening on March 10.
The Miami Dolphins released wide receivers Brian Hartline and Brandon Gibson on Friday.
The wideouts were logical cut candidates as the Dolphins seek to dive deeper under the salary cap prior to the start of free agency.Â
Hartline was due $5.9 million in 2015. The move saves Miami $3.15 million against the salary cap. The 28-year-old signed a five-year, $30.775 million contract in 2013.Â
Gibson signed a three-year $9.755 million contract that same offseason. His release will save the franchise $3.26 million.
Hartline's role diminished in 2014 with the emergence of Jarvis Landry. The vet caught just 39 passes for 474 yards and two touchdowns. His production as a No. 3 or 4 receiver did not match his high salary.
Gibson was a No. 4 receiver who caught 29 passes and one touchdown in just 516 snaps.Â
The next task for the Dolphins brass will be to figure out how to proceed with Mike Wallace and his bloated contract.
Hartline, who had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2012 and 2013, will hit a free agent market filled with mid-tier veteran pass catchers, including Harry Douglass, Nate Washington, Kenny Britt and Hakeem Nicks, among others.
At the right price, Hartline can still provide value to a team looking to add depth. Gibson would remain a low-level option for a receiver-needy team who might have to battle to make a roster.Â
The latest Around The NFL Podcast breaks down the annual "Top 101 free agents" list and discusses the latest in league news. Find more Around The NFL content on NFL NOW.
