Dolphins get an offseason head start. Miami began clearing cap space with a fervor last week, releasing defensive linemen Mario Williams and Earl Mitchell, and — after deciding not to cut him — are now working on a trade that would send left tackle Branden Albert to the Jaguars. Additionally, the Dolphins handed veteran defensive end Cameron Wake another extension, and have begun pondering their plans for the next few months. A trade for a high-profile cornerback could be on the itinerary, while Miami is also expected to target edge help.
Roster purge for Big Blue. The Giants made several personnel moves last week, parting ways with veterans Victor Cruz (link) and Rashad Jennings (link), while another report indicated the club won’t make a push to re-sign free agent tight end Larry Donnell. Running back Adrian Peterson also doesn’t appear to be on New York’s radar, even though the veteran back posted a cryptic tweet indicating possible interest in the Giants. Meanwhile, the Giants want to retain defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul before free agency begins.
Left tackle market evolves. Before last week, the free agent list of left tackles consisted of Andrew Whitworth, Riley Reiff, and a bunch of uninspiring options. Recently, however, the market has grown, as both the Jets and Jaguars declined their respective options on offensive linemen Ryan Clady and Kelvin Beachum, respectively. Along with Albert (who, as noted above, could be traded), left tackles are becoming a bit more available, and should face a healthy market.
Patriots mulling Tom Brady extension. Fresh off a Super Bowl victory, New England wants to work out a new deal with Brady, who is already signed thorough the 2019 campaign. The two sides have begun negotiations, but no contract is imminent at the moment. By hammering out a new pact, the Patriots could theoretically reduce Brady’s upcoming cap charges, which come in at $14MM, $22MM, and $22MM over the next three seasons.
Tony Romo expects to be released. While the Cowboys could aim to trade Romo over the next weeks, the quarterback himself expects to be cut rather than dealt away. Such a move could be preferable to Dallas, as well, because a post-June 1 release of Romo would save the club more money than a trade. Plus, cutting Romo would allow him to choose his next destination, which would represent a professional gesture by the Cowboys given Romo’s contributions to the team.