Miami Dolphins Offseason: Looking at Oshiomogho Atogwe After Rams Release Him

The St. Louis Rams released free safety Oshiomogho "O.J." Atogwe on Friday, saving themselves $8 million in a deal that the Rams negotiated with Atogwe last June.

Atogwe performed well in 2010 with 73 tackles and three interceptions, but was unable to return to the form the Rams saw in previous seasons. In 2007, he led the NFC with eight interceptions and in 2008 he recorded another five picks and forced six fumbles.

Atogwe was coming off an injury-plagued 2009 season which ended with him being placed on injured reserve with a dislocated right shoulder.

The move by the Rams is a purely business-based decision.

After applying the franchise tag to the up-and-coming free safety in 2009, St. Louis and Atogwe agreed to a contract worth $32 million over five years in 2010.

St. Louis doesn't see Atogwe being able to duplicate his production but still sees him as a valuable commodity. By releasing O.J. they lose all rights to negotiation and cannot designate him with their franchise tag or transition tag.

The Dolphins had significant interest in Atogwe last offseason when his status with the Rams was in limbo.

Relying on two unproven commodities at the free safety position, second-year starter Chris Clemons and rookie Reshad Jones combined for 69 tackles and two interceptions.

The knock on Clemons was his inability to progress and move forward. Jones displayed flashes of playmaking ability, but his inability to make it on the field showed the lack of faith the coaching staff had in his awareness to watch the play unfold and make the right football plays.

Atogwe could be the long-term solution to the Dolphins free safety questions, but it has been rumored that Atogwe could choose to stay in St. Louis and take another contract from the Rams.

Similar to last year when Miami had to wait and see if the Rams would franchise Atogwe or not, they will have to wait a while to attempt to strike a deal as the current collective bargaining agreement expires in less than three weeks.

Keep in mind though that Atogwe and the Rams are accustomed to negotiating a contract in the offseason.

This marks the fourth consecutive year that Atogwe has been off the Rams payroll.