The Miami Dolphins had just acquired linebacker Benardrick McKinney in March from the Houston Texans. On Tuesday, McKinney was cut from Miami as teams trim their rosters down to the final 53.

Dolphins head coach Brian Flores spoke on the decision to release McKinney.

“With Benardrick, it was a tough decision — we like the guys in the room. It was one we went back and forth on but at the end of the day we did what we thought was best for the team. Nothing but good things to say about Benardrick.”

McKinney was a Pro Bowler in 2018 but was limited to just four games in 2020 with the Texans after suffering a shoulder injury and undergoing surgery.

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Perhaps most interesting about the trade back in March between the Dolphins and Texans: the piece Miami sent Houston, Shaq Lawson, was just traded to the New York Jets on Sunday. So the trade has essentially become a wash on both sides of the spectrum.

Expectations are high for the Dolphins entering this year and a lot will be put on the shoulders of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Miami addressed the need for weapons in the offseason by adding wideouts Jaylen Waddle (via the draft) and Will Fuller (via free agency).

The AFC East will go through Buffalo with the Bills but when it's all said and done, the Dolphins hope to have a say in the matters.