Dolphins cut Larsen, Branch

Moves will save the team roughly $9.125M in cap space

DAVIE – The Miami Dolphins have cut two players from their roster to save salarycap space, including one player who played an instrumental part in one of the most historic victories in franchise history.

The Dolphins released defensive end Andre Branch and offensive lineman Ted Larsen on Thursday in moves that will save Miami roughly $9.125 million in salary-cap space, with more players likely to join the mix.

Branch — who had 48 tackles, six sacks and one forced fumble in 28 games the past two seasons — had one year remaining on a three-year, $24 million deal he signed with the Dolphins in 2017. He would have been paid at least $6.9 million to $9 million based on incentives if he remained with the Dolphins next season.

Larsen, who started in 21 of 23 games during the past two seasons, had one year remaining on his deal, worth $2.125 million.

Larsen’s block with no time remaining freed running back Kenyan Drake for a game-winning, 69-yard touchdown during the Miami Miracle win over the New England Patriots on Dec. 9.

The Dolphins are expected to make roster decisions regarding the futures of a number of players in the next week, before the new league year begins Wednesday.

If Miami clears its roster of at least three more players — longtime quarterback Ryan Tannehill, defensive end Robert Quinn and former first-round receiver DeVante Parker — it could stockpile about $50 million in salary cap space this offseason.

The Dolphins have been gauging NFL interest in trade talks for Tannehill with hopes of landing at least one addition draft pick in the 2019 NFL draft. If Miami is unsuccessful in finding a trade partner, Tannehill could be waived as a June 1 release to save the team $18.75 million he is set to earn in 2019.

Miami could also release Quinn, which would clear $12.93 million in cap space. Quinn was had 38 tackles, 6.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in his one season with the Dolphins last year after being acquired in a trade with the Los Angeles Rams.

Parker, who never lived up to his first-round billing since being drafted by the Dolphins in 2015, could also be cut by Miami. The Dolphins will likely not honor his fifthyear option on his rookie contract, saving $9.38 million.

If the Dolphins cut those five players, they could save $50.19 million and have about $71 million in cap space this offseason.

JOHN MCCALL/SUN SENTINEL Dolphins guard Ted Larsen, who was cut Thursday, started in 21 of 23 games during the past two seasons. He had one year remaining on his deal, worth $2.125 million.

CHARLES TRAINOR JR./TNS The Dolphins’ Andre Branch collected 48 tackles, six sacks and one forced fumble in 28 games since 2017.