Dolphins to waive Isa Abdul-Quddus

The Miami Dolphins will be waiving safety Isa Abdul-Quddus, according to a report from the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson. Abdul-Quddus was injured late in the 2016 season and has been unable to pass a physical. He is not expected to play in 2017 and could be forced to retire because of the neck injury.

The loss of IAQ is a big one for the Dolphins, who appeared to have found a young free safety to pair with Pro Bowl strong safety Reshad Jones. In 15 games played for the Dolphins, IAQ recorded 77 tackles, two interceptions, five passes defensed, and one sack.

Abdul-Quddus signed a three-year, $12.75 million contract last offseason, joining Miami after two seasons with the Detroit Lions. He was originally an undrafted free agent signed by the New Orleans Saints, playing the 2011 through 2013 seasons with them.

Miami has focused some of their pre-free agency attention on finding a replacement for IAQ. They could also look to Michael Thomas, upon whom the team placed a low-tender as a restricted free agent, to fill in next to Jones, who signed a five-year contract extension on Thursday.