It's cap-cutting time in South Florida.
The Miami Dolphins are releasing defensive end Andre Branch, a source told NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. Branch was owed $6.9 million in base salary in the final year of his contract with the 'Fins.
The 29-year-old will count just $2 million against Miami's cap in 2019.
Branch's departure leaves Miami with few experienced edge rushers. Robert Quinn (owed $12.9 million) and Charles Harris ($3M) are currently set to man the line in 2019. Longtime Dolphins defensive end Cameron Wake is an impending free agent.
Cutting Branch is the first of many moves Miami is expected to make this offseason. The Dolphins have already had trade talks regarding outgoing quarterback Ryan Tannehill, Rapoport added, though the QB's hefty salary ($38 million over the next two seasons) is making it difficult to deal him.
Here are more transactions we're tracking on Saturday:
- The Falcons have agreed to terms with quarterback Matt Schaub on a two-year extension.
- The Raiders have signed guard/tackle Denzelle Good to a one-year contract extension worth $1.8 million, Rapoport reported per a source informed. The contract has a maximum value of $3 million, Rapoport added.
- The Texans have had trade conversations about former first-round cornerback Kevin Johnson, sources told Rapoport. He's due $9.1 million in 2019 on his fifth-year option. That makes him an option to be a free agent, though no firm decision has been made, Rapoport added.
- The Seahawks are releasing 2017 second-round pick Malik McDowell, a source told Rapoport. McDowell spent his first two years in the league on the non-football injury list and has yet to play in an NFL game. The defensive tackle will be subject to waivers.
- The Panthers agreed on terms for a two-year deal with linebacker and special teamer Jared Norris, a source told Rapoport. Norris, who finished the season on injured reserve, received $150,000 to sign, Rapoport added.
