Dolphins part ways with Brian Hartline

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Brian Hartline joined the list of wide receivers available when the NFL free-agent signing period begins March 10.

The Miami Dolphins announced Friday they released Hartline , a former Ohio State star.

Hartline, 28, was a fourth-round in the 2009 NFL Draft. He caught 298 passes for 4,243 yards and 12 touchdowns with two 1,000-yard receiving seasons.

However, Hartline had career lows win receiving yards (474) and catches (39) in 2014 as the fourth option in their passing game behind Mike Wallace, Jarvis Landry and tight end Charles Clay.

Hartline’s release saves the Dolphins $3.2 million in salary cap space .

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The team has other moves under consideration, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. They must decide on what to do with Wallace, who is due a $3 million roster bonus, before March 15. Wallace's 2015 contract is for $9.9 million.

Reports said the team also might part company with wideout Brandon Gibson.

It also was possible the team might make Hartline a post-June 1 cut, according to The Miami Herald .

Hartline reportedly hopes to land with a team closer to his Ohio home, with the Indianapolis Colts on his wish list.

Friday's move could be the first of many for the Dolphins. Among others likely to head to free agency are linebackers Dannell Ellerby and Phillip Wheeler, guard Nate Garner and defensive tackle Randy Starks.

Reports say veteran cornerback Cortland Finnegan is considering retirement.

Clay is among veteran players the Dolphins must accommodate with contract upgrades, forcing them to reduce their salary demands.

Hartline never became the red-zone threat the Dolphins envisioned, according to the Palm Beach Post

Slot receiver Jarvis Landry is expected to assume a bigger role in the offense after his breakout season. He makes Gibson expendable.

Among free-agent targets, the Dolphins could look at Hakeem Nicks as a red-zone upgrade.

 

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