Another Dolphins exit, but for different reason
Center Daniel Kilgore is acquired via trade, and guard Josh Sitton will sign.
Dave George: Mike Pouncey’s bad hips led the team to play the odds, not just the salary-cap game.
The Miami Dolphins made a dramatic overhaul of their offensive line on Thursday, releasing a key player, signing a key player, and trading for a key player.
The Dolphins are planning to grant veteran center Mike Pouncey his release, are signing four-time Pro Bowl guard Josh Sitton, and are trading for 49ers center Daniel Kilgore.
Pouncey, the former Dolphins first-rounder, told The Palm Beach Post he was crushed.
“I gave this city everything I had,” Pouncey said. “I’m heartbroken.”
At first, Pouncey said he had been asked Thursday morning to take a pay cut. But then Pouncey explained that he had actually wanted a raise in a long-term deal, but that was declined.
Pouncey said he has asked for his release and he expects it to be granted. When Pouncey is released, the Dolphins will save $7 million this season against the salary cap, according to the web site Spotrac.com.
“At the end of the day I’m a Miami Dolphin for life,” Pouncey said. “This city gave me an opportunity to play in the NFL. I think it was awesome. I had a hell of a ride here.”
Despite playing all 16 games last season, there was concern about Pouncey’s past hip injuries.
“I know my career isn’t over,” Pouncey said.
Pouncey, 28, was Miami’s first-round draft choice out of Florida in 2011, the 15th overall pick. Pouncey was a Pro Bowler in 2013, 2014 and 2015.
The Dolphins have now let go of former Pro Bowlers Jay Ajayi, Jarvis Landry, Ndamukong Suh and Pouncey since the middle of last season.
The Dolphins are replacing Pouncey with Kilgore, 30, acquired in a trade with the 49ers.
The opportunity to acquire Kilgore set in motion the release of Pouncey, according to a league source.
Kilgore was a reserve for the first five years of his career, then emerged with 29 starts over the past two seasons. After last season, Kilgore agreed to a new threeyear, $11.8 million contract that includes $7 million guaranteed.
Kilgore carries a cap hit of $5.4 million this season, followed by $2.8 million and $3.6 million. But the 49ers signed free-agent center Weston Richburg from the Giants, so Kilgore became expendable.
“He is very much a leader of this team, and his hard work and commitment to our success provide a great example for our young team,” 49ers general manager John Lynch said when Kilgore was extended.
Kilgore was the 23rd-ranked center by Pro Football Focus in 2017, 25th in pass blocking and 19th in run blocking.
Pouncey was the 30th-ranked center by PFF, 14th in pass blocking and 30th in run blocking.
The Dolphins also signed veteran guard Sitton on Thursday, securing him on a two-year deal worth up to $18 million with incentives, according to a league source.
Sitton is a mauler and fourtime Pro Bowler with lots of playoff experience and a Super Bowl ring.
Miami’s revamped offensive line of left tackle Laremy Tunsil, left guard Sitton, center Kilgore, right guard Jesse Davis and right tackle Ja’Wuan James should result in an improvement in the running game.
Ted Larsen might compete with Davis at right guard, but if he doesn’t win a starting position, he should provide excellent depth at both guard and center.