According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the Dolphins are faced with rebuilding their defensive line, nearly from scratch. They’re expected to release defensive end Robert Quinn in the process, and likely Andre Branch as well. Quinn had 6.5 sacks and started every game after being acquired from the Rams last spring, but his release will save $12.9 million in cap space. Branch would clear $7 million off the books as well. With Cameron Wake an unrestricted free agent, the Dolphins could have a whole new look, as they embark on a rebuild in many other areas as well.
As much as I want Wake to retire here that may well be something that just doesn't happen. I don't think its going to bad football for 3 years. I think next year will be bad but if Flores iis worth his salt and Grier is as smart as we hope he is I think we will see serious improvement in year 2 of this thing.
Our defensive line created almost no pressure. This will hurt as much as being kicked in the nuts twice....if you didnt have nuts to begin with. Much as I love Wake he is done and Quinn was mediocre at best.
I think they'd have kept Quinn if cutting him wasn't going to save $13 million. Saving $20million on a defensive line that didn't create enough pressure last year makes a lot of sense to the front office, especially when this draft is meant to be deep in these positions.
I really like Wake. He got held so often that it just looked normal. I wish he could retire a Dolphin.
Wake was still one of the better pass rushers last season. PFF rated him as the 15th best pass rusher last season. Not in the top five as usually but far from done.
I guess done isnt the right word. Can we say on the decline and not worth planning around? I wouldn't mind him back I guess, it isnt my money and we should have cap room, but I think its best for everyone to part ways.
That is fair. I love Wake. I am torn. I want him to retire a Dolphin. However, he is getting up there and I do doubt that Miami is going to contend next year even if they do not "tank" As long as he is out of the AFC east I will root for him
Our defensive performance the last 3 years wasn't due to a lack of talented players, it was due to a lack of a talented defensive scheme hence, the firing of the coaching staff.
To a degree, but individual talent still wins match ups a good portion of the time. Especially along the line.
Last year with the Rams Quinn had 38 total pressures and 8.5 sacks while playing 374 pass rush snaps This year he had 39 total pressures and 6.5 sacks while playing 336 pass rush snaps Two different teams 2 similar results.