Brice McCain Released by Dolphins: Latest Details, Comments, Reaction

The Miami Dolphins announced Friday they  released cornerback Brice McCain after just one season. 

McCain was scheduled to earn $2.5 million in 2016, per Spotrac. He signed with the Dolphins in March following a strong campaign with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2014.

The seven-year veteran started 11 games last season with 39 tackles, 10 pass deflections and one interception. His release is one of many the Dolphins are expected to make this offseason to clear roughly $30-40 million in cap space, according to Omar Kelly of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. 

Miami also let go of reserve pass-rusher and former first-round draft pick Quinton Coples on Friday. 

Under new head coach Adam Gase, an offensive specialist, the Dolphins could be in the market for at least two cornerbacks, as four-time Pro Bowler Brent Grimes’ $8 million base salary next year would contradict the Dolphins’ cost-effective approach. 

Miami will still have to eat $1 million in dead money against McCain’s contract because he was released with one year remaining on his deal. 

Many of the Dolphins’ impending decisions will be a byproduct of signing Ndamukong Suh to a six-year, $114 million deal last offseason that will keep them attached to the four-time Pro Bowler the next five seasons. 

The team was eighth-worst in total defense last year and finished 6-10. While Gase is expected to rejuvenate their stale offense the way he did as Chicago Bears offensive coordinator last season, the Dolphins might need to continue trimming their financial fat after giving Suh a quarterback-caliber contract a year ago.