Dolphins releasing former Uconn star CB Jones

MIAMI — Byron Jones’ time with the Miami Dolphins will soon to be over.

The Dolphins plan to release the cornerback who was once a prized acquisition in 2020 with free agency beginning next week, according to a league source.

Jones, who missed the 2022 season, will be designated as a post-june 1 cut, which provides the Dolphins with $13.6 million in 2023 salary cap relief. The savings will not be available to the team until June, so it can’t be used during March’s initial wave of free agency.

Releasing Jones after June 1 is about a $10 million difference in savings than the $3,547,000 of immediate relief the Dolphins could find otherwise. The Dolphins were already $16 million over the salary cap in a number that will fluctuate as they work to restructure contracts, possibly release other players under contract or seek trade options.

Jones, a native of New Britain, Conn., who went to Uconn, signed a fiveyear, $82.5 million with Miami in 2020, carried with him a cap number of $18,351,000 in 2023. He will become a free agent on March 15.

„ The Ravens placed the franchise tag on QB Lamar Jackson after not reaching agreement on a deal. The 26-year-old former league MVP can negotiate with other teams.

Baseball: Braves RHP Kyle Wright, the majors’ only 20-game winner last season, has yet to appear in a spring game after having a cortisone shot to address a right shoulder issue in January. The Braves will be closely monitoring his progress after throwing a bullpen session Tuesday and preparing to throw live batting practice Friday, and hope he can be ready for opening day.