The Dolphins will hit the practice field for three days beginning tomorrow as their full squad mini-camp gets going. But one veteran will not be out there.
The Dolphins released backup inside linebacker Reggie Torbor, saving about $3 million per year in each of the next two years. Torbor was signed back in 2008 during this regime's first offseason to be a backup inside linebacker to Channing Crowder and Akin Ayodele. He was serviceable as a backup - but never proved to be worth the four year, $14 million contract the Fins signed him to.
Torbor became expendable this offseason because of how hard Miami has worked to revamp their inside linebackers. Karlos Dansby was signed to a huge contract and will be the centerpiece of this defensive front seven. Tim Dobbins was acquired in a draft day trade from San Diego. And then the Dolphins spent a mid-round pick on rookie A.J. Edds. All reports are that the coaches have been very impressed with both Dobbins and Edds.
And now you can't help but wonder if Channing Crowder's starting spot is safe. He continues to rehab from foot surgery and is yet to be cleared medically to participate in OTAs or this weekend's mini-camp. He might not even be ready for training camp - though we don't know for sure because this staff doesn't disclose injury info during the offfseason.
What we do know is that while Crowder remains on the sidelines, Dobbins and Edds are getting to work in this new defense. And they have clearly shown enough that the Dolphins felt comfortable cutting Torbor.