Dolphins release Cortland Finnegan

The roster purge for the Miami Dolphins continues today with the team announcing the release of cornerback Cortland Finnegan. The 31-year-old, nine-year veteran spent just shy of one calendar year with the franchise.

Finnegan signed a two-year contract with the Dolphins in free agency last year, agreeing to an $11 million contract. Finnegan looked to be a great signing by the Dolphins, who, paired with Brent Grimes on the opposite side of the field, could lock down the Miami secondary. Unfortunately, injuries began to crop up, with an ankle injury sidelining him for four games. He recorded nine pass defenses, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery for a 50 yard touchdown, and 44 tackles in the 12 games he played.

The cornerback would have accounted for $6.475 million against the salary cap this season if he had stayed on the Dolphins’ roster. With the move, his dead money will drop to just $1 million, giving Miami a $5.475 million savings.

The release was Miami’s second of the day, joining reserve offensive lineman Nate Garner. Between Finnegan’s $5.475 million savings and the $1.65 million from Garner, the Dolphins should have around $17.2 million in cap space.