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Led by Brian Flores and devoid of both Adam Gase and Ryan Tannehill, the Miami Dolphins are ushering in a new era. As training camp begins, the quarterback battle between Ryan Fitzpatrick and Josh Rosen will get more intense, and the Dolphins will attempt to shift culture.
While many don't see a competitive team spawning from South Beach, late July/early August will either confirm or deny those expectations. However, they will also rid themselves of former talent when doing so; here are three such candidates.
3. Mark Walton – RB
Mark Walton — a talented back by way of the Miami Hurricanes selected in the fourth round in 2018 — has already faced the chopping block once this off-season. After just one season with the Cincinnati Bengals, the team cut him; but not for his on-field play. In March, Walton faced his third arrest of the NFL off-season.
Walton surrounded to authorities in Miami in April due to a prior incident on March 12th. He continues to face felony charges for carrying a concealed weapon, reckless driving, and marijuana possession. Earlier in the year, he faced battery charges and a misdemeanor for marijuana possession. Walton made for a natural cut candidate in the Bengals crowded backfield, then joined the Dolphins.
With Kenyan Drake, Kalen Ballage, Myles Gaskin, and AAF standout Kenneth Farrow on the roster, Walton is buried deep into the backfield. It will only become more so when he faces suspension charges from the NFL. For the Dolphins, looking to rid themselves of poor culture in years past, cutting Walton is an obvious choice — no matter his talent or Miami ties.
2. Reshad Jones – S
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To many, this may come as a surprise. Considered to be one of the NFL's better strong safeties, and a two-time Pro Bowler in Miami (2015, 2017), Reshad Jones is a valuable commodity. But the Dolphins have been toying with a departure all off-season, as Jones now enters his tenth season down South. And for a good reason.
Jones doesn't fit the Dolphins' competitive timeline set or appearing, on rebuilding. At 31 years old, he's not the player he once was and carries a pricey cap hit. According to OverTheCap, Jones has three years left on his contract worth over $47 million. If cut, the Dolphins would take on a gaudy $17 million dead cap hit; making it seem unlikely. But, if they find a trade for him, it would be just $4, saving them $13.5 million in the process and ridding it off their books for the long-term.
The Dolphins are in a tricky situation with Jones, as his cap hit indicates, to part ways, a trade partner would have to be found. There is a chance he's on the roster come the 2019 season, but Miami has attempted to alter that.
1. Reece Horn – WR
Remember the AAF? If you do, remember Reece Horn — the starting wide receiver for the Memphis Express? The 6-foot-3, 215-pound receiver was amongst the best in the now-defunct league, catching 28 balls for 429 yards and a touchdown. The Dolphins, signed Horn after the league shut down, along with several other players. However, the 26-year-old faces and uphill battle to make the roster.
With DeVante Parker extended, and Kenny Stills, Brice Butler, Jakeem Grant, and Albert Wilson on the roster, the Dolphins appear set for their five-man rotation at receiver. Though they may bring in six, Horn will have to compete with younger options, including Isaiah Ford (2017 seventh-round pick), and undrafted talents Preston Williams and Trenton Irwin. Ford and Williams have shown potential, and it's even more so for the latter. It's going to be tough to crack that room.
