Dolphins to use post-June 1 designation on Philip Wheeler

In a move that should surprise no one, the Miami Dolphins will use the post-June 1 designation on linebacker Philip Wheeler when the free agency period opens on March 10:

Dolphins are releasing LB Philip Wheeler with a post June 1 designation, per source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 7, 2015

Wheeler was scheduled to count for $4.4 million against the salary cap in 2015, but with the post-June 1 designation, will give Miami $3 million in cap space this year. The team will have to wait until June 2 to see that cap space, however, as the Collective Bargaining Agreement states that a player who is designated a post-June 1 cut will still be carried on the team's salary cap list as if they were still on the roster until June 2. The Dolphins will likely use the roster space to sign their draft picks this summer.

Wheeler joined the Dolphins before the 2013 season, signing a five-year, $26 million contract. He started 20 games for the club over the two seasons in Miami, appearing in a total of 31 games. He recorded 0.5 sacks, seven passes defensed, one fumble recovery, and 109 tackles.

The move cannot be made official until March 10, at which time Wheeler will be free to sign with another team, despite still counting against the Dolphins salary cap.