As first reported by FOX Sports' Jay Glazer, the Dolphins have indeed given Joey Porter what he wants - his release.
The Dolphins have since confirmed this, simply releasing a statement on the team's website. This ends Porter's three year run in Miami - a run that had its ups and downs.
After a disappointing first season in Miami back i n 2007, Porter turned it on in '08, leading the AFC in sacks with 17.5 and helping the Dolphins win an AFC East division title. But 2009 saw Porter struggle at times on the field and become a distraction off of it. Then, of course, there was Joey's ridiculous pre-Super Bowl ranting and raving on various radio and television shows, declaring that he wanted out of Miami and slamming some of his now former teammates, albeit in a subtle way.
Some probably were hoping the Dolphins could package Joey in some kind of trade. But why would a team give up anything when they know that the Dolphins weren't going to keep Joey around much longer? Porter will be 33 in March and it'll be interesting to see where he ends up and, more importantly, what he has left. But I get the feeling the Dolphins will be proven to be right come next season as Joey continues his slow regression.
Meanwhile, speaking on Sirius NFL Radio, Cardinals LB Karlos Dansby listed the Dolphins as four interesting options if he hits the free agent market in March as expected. It'll be interesting to see if the Dolphins feel the same way. He'd be a really good fit in Miami's 3-4 defense, playing inside next to Channing Crowder (most likely). But could he be too costly?
[UPDATE: Adam Schefter explains that Porter is back on Miami's roster - until March, at least. Because the Dolphins don't have room for the portion of Joey's contract that would be accelerated under the cap, the Dolphins can't cut him until March - when the salary cap goes away. Porter's $1 million roster bonus, though, isn't due until March 10. But the Dolphins will be able to release Joey on March 5 - the first day of the new "league year."]