Julius Thomas, Lawrence Timmons Reportedly to Be Cut by Dolphins

In an effort to provide some much-needed salary-cap relief, the Miami Dolphins plan to release tight end Julius Thomas and linebacker Lawrence Timmons, according to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald.

The two moves, which the Dolphins plan to make before the new league year on March 14, would save the team about $11 million in cap space.

If the team also terminates the fifth-year option for offensive tackle Ja'Wuan James, it would clear up an additional $9.34 million.

According to Salguero, the team is already more than $7 million over the projected cap for 2018 with 55 players under contract. The Dolphins also compounded their troubles Wednesday when they placed the franchise tag on receiver Jarvis Landry, which could cost about $16 million for one season if no deal is reached, per John Breech of CBS Sports.

Thomas just finished his first year in Miami after being a bust free-agent signing for the Jaguars. He ended the year with 388 yards and three touchdowns in 14 games.

Timmons came to the Dolphins in 2017 after 10 years with the Steelers, finishing third on the team with 84 tackles in 14 games.

Both had signed two-year deals but don't appear likely to see the second season.

After finishing 2017 with a 6-10 record, however, the Dolphins will need to find ways to upgrade the roster without spending much money.