Dolphins Free Agent Targets Expanding to Include Miles Austin?

The search to add weaponry to the Miami Dolphins offense has focused on two potential free agent wide receivers over the past few weeks. Pittsburgh Steelers wide out Mike Wallace and Greg Jennings from the Green Bay Packers are both expected to be free agents on March 12, with Miami thought to be prepared to make a hard move toward either, or both, receivers. However, a new name surfaced yesterday that could be added to the Dolphins' target list.

Most interesting potential salary-cap casualty in coming days: Cowboys WR Miles Austin. Dallas needs cap space and Austin would provide it.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 23, 2013

Austin was signed by the Dallas Cowboys in 2006 as an undrafted free agent - a signing completed by the Cowboys' front office with Jeff Ireland and Brian Gaine, the Dolphins' General Manager and Assistant General Manager now. Austin spent his first three years primarily as a kick returner for the Cowboys, before adding wide receiver to his resume starting in 2009. He has caught 277 passes in his career for 4,237 yards (15.3 yards per reception), with 34 touchdowns. He was a 2009 and 2010 Pro Bowl selection.

Austin battled through injuries all of last season, including hamstring issues that have lingered for the past two years, still putting up 943 yards and six touchdowns on 66 receptions.

Releasing Austin could save the Cowboys over $3.5 million against the 2013 salary cap. If he were cut by the Cowboys, Austin would be free to sign with any team immediately, not having to wait until the March 12 start of the free agent signing period.