A source is telling me the Dolphins have just cut running back Larry Johnson. Another source is telling me the Dolphins have also cut cornerback Will Allen.
"Thank you to all phin fans you've been great!!!" Allen tweeted after his release. "It's been a gr8t ride ... much love!"
Neither move is not exactly a huge surprise but its importance does speak to Miami's current running back and defensive back situations and what the Dolphins think of them.
Johnson played well in the final preseason game and there was thinking he might beat out Lex Hilliard for the final RB job based on his experience and history as a solid player.
But that didn't stand, particularly given the fact he was with the team about two weeks.
The move means Hilliard is likely on the team. The move means the Dolphins are confident Reggie Bush can stay healthy and rookie Daniel Thomas can be a good, capable backup. It must be said Bush has been injured during much of his NFL career and Thomas has not been inspiring during this training camp and preseason.
All this, however, comes with a caveat. Other RBs are being cut around the NFL. Other special teams players are being cut around the NFL. The Dolphins will study those moves and may well still make a move involving a RB by Tuesday or even in the coming weeks.
On the Allen cut, He also played well in the preseason finale against Dallas. This seems to be a move made to save the $1.5 million he would cost if he's on the roster the first week of the season. Veterans on the roster the first week of the regular season have their entire salary guaranteed for the season. The Dolphins were obviously not comfortable with the idea Allen, who has been injured the past two years, could stay healthy the entire season given what little work he's gotten this preseason.
There is a small possibility Allen might be brought back later if he's not picked up by another team. The move also suggests Nolan Carroll will be on the team.
The Dolphins have cut other players as well. I'll get those to you as soon as I know. They will trim their roster to 53 by the NFL deadline of 6 p.m.
First.
Posted by: Angry Elf | September 03, 2011 at 04:49 PM
#1
Posted by: Yeah! | September 03, 2011 at 04:49 PM
Huh?
I'm a little surprised, not disappointed necessarily, just surprised.
I wish I knew the thinking behind this whole Larry Johnson experiment????
Posted by: odinseye | September 03, 2011 at 04:50 PM
bring in chester taylor!
Posted by: dolphin 77 | September 03, 2011 at 04:52 PM
Some 2011 preseason statistical factoids: Chad Henne led the AFC in passing yards (446),
Brandon Fields led NFL with 51.6 punt avg. about 3 hours ago
Doesn't mean a thing, but I'm liking it!
AwwwwwwwwRiiiiiiight MIAMI!!!!
Posted by: odinseye | September 03, 2011 at 04:53 PM
That's a shame, because he's better than Daniel Thomas.
Posted by: Jcb | September 03, 2011 at 04:53 PM
I always liked Chestor Taylor.
How old is he?
Posted by: odinseye | September 03, 2011 at 04:54 PM
At this point Johnson being better tan Thomas ain't a real big stretch.
I mean the last real game Thomas played in was for the J-Hawks-Hello................
That's why we call him a R-O-O-K-I-E!
Posted by: odinseye | September 03, 2011 at 04:57 PM
A surprise because he didn't seem to do badly and our running game is a big question mark. Maybe we're not worried about him being "poached"!
Posted by: Carlitos Estevez | September 03, 2011 at 04:58 PM
So little news. Fins are waiting for the last minute it seems to notify.
Posted by: Simon Says | September 03, 2011 at 04:59 PM
I think they just felt whats the use to keeping a one time starter as 3rd string depth. No upside in that situation to be had.
Take away Johnson's the 22yd TD run in his 10 carries for 39yds(3.9ypc). He would be 9 carries for 17yds(1.8yds).
Just consider this was his best performance of the entire offseason. Not worthy of a roster spot.
Posted by: DyingBreed | September 03, 2011 at 04:59 PM
Not to mention LJ's performance was against 2nd and 3rds.
Posted by: Simon Says | September 03, 2011 at 05:03 PM
Johnson's signing cost absolutely nothing besides practice pay. He was signed to a roster contingent making contract. He would have been a genuine steal had he had more than too few and far inbetween flashes of his former self.
That's all that the Johnson signing represented. We just wanted to kick the tires to find out how great his far and too few inbetween were. We did and now have decided to move on.
Get a grip some of you! LOL...
Posted by: DyingBreed | September 03, 2011 at 05:04 PM
Sign Cornelius Ingram (as second TE), Kyle DeVan (as quality depth OG), Brandon Merriweather (as 1st S) and if you can get Andre Gurode (as 1st C) at a reasonable price dump Columbo, slide Pouncey to RG (where he can start while learning C from Gurode), Vernon as RT with swing tackle depth once Jake come back. In these four moves you've shored up the remaining issues without breaking the bank.
Posted by: Kidikarus | September 03, 2011 at 05:05 PM
I guess the Dolphins have decided on youth over age in Will Allen's case too. Allen's cut suggests theyre willing to invest a little more into Nolan Carroll.
Posted by: DyingBreed | September 03, 2011 at 05:06 PM
Ireland certainly is an arrogant control freak.
He's torturing the entire team and fan base waiting until the last second because..........He can...........!
What a CREEP!!!!
Posted by: odinseye | September 03, 2011 at 05:08 PM
You could even force VC to restructure his contract or boot him once Jake comes back based on Lydon Murtha's play. He's got to be a better option than VC at this point. Too bad about Will Allen, I think with him the Dbs make the leap this year and you have solid coverage in 4 WR sets (ala Pats, Jets)
Posted by: Kidikarus | September 03, 2011 at 05:09 PM
Well, the last PS game was the only real chance we had to see LJ play. I thought the TD run was pretty encouraging.
I'm surprised, disappointed, but NOT devastated they cut him. Who knows what else might happen over the next few days.
Posted by: finsfan72 | September 03, 2011 at 05:09 PM
I wouldnt bring Meriweather in even to debrief him on the Pats defense. That would do little good seeing how the Pats have switched from the 3-4 to the 4-3 defense this season.
Dont you guys know anything about Belichik history? When he cuts'em you can stick a fork in 'em because theyre done! LOL...
Posted by: DyingBreed | September 03, 2011 at 05:10 PM
Later.
Posted by: oscar canosa | September 03, 2011 at 05:11 PM
Odinseye, long haired freak shade tree mechanic
Posted by: mariposa | September 03, 2011 at 05:12 PM
Wonder if LJ threw any gay slurs coaches way.
Posted by: Glanton | September 03, 2011 at 05:12 PM
I see Denver cut Orton. Greg Orton that is...
Posted by: Chris in the 623 | September 03, 2011 at 05:13 PM
Merriweather seems like he'd be an instant upgrade to our secondary. He didn't get cut because of talent- he made the last 2 Pro Bowls.
Posted by: finsfan72 | September 03, 2011 at 05:13 PM
odinseye, you need to find something to fill your time bro.
Posted by: gman | September 03, 2011 at 05:15 PM
Seem to me our head coach can't get our o line in 4 years worth of trying. And he is a o line specialist don't think so.
Posted by: Dennis | September 03, 2011 at 05:15 PM
#1 Yeah,
What happened? Premature jocularity?
Posted by: JaxDolphin | September 03, 2011 at 05:16 PM
Odinseye, long haired freak shade tree mechanic
Posted by: mariposa | September 03, 2011 at 05:12 PM
Yeah? What's up Bro?
Posted by: odinseye | September 03, 2011 at 05:17 PM
odinseye, you need to find something to fill your time bro.
Posted by: gman | September 03, 2011 at 05:15 PM
Like you don't, sitting here doing the same thing I am.
Well actually, I'm not trolling like you........ah, well you know ;)
Posted by: odinseye | September 03, 2011 at 05:19 PM
It really eaves you wondering about the move at RB when you consider the fact that it`s a safe bet Miami`s 3rd runner sees the field ths Season early and often. I`m going to go out on a limb and trust Daboll here who probably had some say in this decision. We will see but cutting a Vet presence like Allen I don`t agree with this team lacked Vet leadership big time last Season and think Allen will be fine once he kicks of the rust. I don`t trust Carroll as the #4 CB on this team, he was smoked up and down the field himself this Pre-Season.
Posted by: fin4life | September 03, 2011 at 05:20 PM
I just got cut and it won't stop.
Posted by: Drying Bleed | September 03, 2011 at 05:23 PM
Later.
Posted by: oscar canosa | September 03, 2011 at 05:11 PM
-and then-
Odinseye, long haired freak shade tree mechanic
Posted by: mariposa | September 03, 2011 at 05:12 PM
Wonder if LJ threw any gay slurs coaches way.
Posted by: Glanton | September 03, 2011 at 05:12 PM
ONLY 6 teams have ANNOUNCED CUTS. So stop
with the Miami is secret BS.
Posted by: Miles | September 03, 2011 at 05:14 PM
odinseye, you need to find something to fill your time bro.
Posted by: gman | September 03, 2011 at 05:15 PM
Seem to me our head coach can't get our o line in 4 years worth of trying. And he is a o line specialist don't think so.
Posted by: Dennis | September 03, 2011 at 05:15 PM
Never seen any of them guys before, Hmmmmmmmmm.....
The veil is thin indeed ;)
Posted by: odinseye | September 03, 2011 at 05:24 PM
Allen had one nice PB (tippped Int) and 2 solid tackles. After that, he was beaten twice on 3rd downs by reserve WRs and QB. Nolan Carroll not much better and worse tackler. Benny Sapp, meh...but he's safe. Jimmy Wilson too,
Posted by: Chris | September 03, 2011 at 05:24 PM
What up thor-daddy?
Posted by: JaxDolphin | September 03, 2011 at 05:24 PM
Miles, Really? you think its a big leap for Pouncey to slide to G (where he also played in college) and Gurode to start at C (where he played for Sparano in Dallas) Ingram to serve as the 2nd TE (where he only comes in for a set number of plays) Merriweather to play S where he went to 2 pro bowls and Murtha to play RT, when he's excelled at LT (the harder position) Perhaps you should think through your smart ass answer before you type them. Have you seen the right side play? It couldn't get worse.
Posted by: Kidikarus | September 03, 2011 at 05:25 PM
So when Bush goes down, who is going to run the ball for positive yardage?
Posted by: Tony Pasta Al Dente | September 03, 2011 at 05:26 PM
Jax,
Just musing over the Allen cut.
I don't know about the money theory. Who else can you get with a high level of Veteran experience any cheaper?
Posted by: odinseye | September 03, 2011 at 05:28 PM
Miles, stick to music. Gurode will recognize way more coverages in the league than pouncey will his rookie year.
Posted by: Kidikarus | September 03, 2011 at 05:29 PM
SOMETHING needs to be done with that right side. It's a mess.
I'd rather see as little tinkering and shuffling as possible at this point, though. Ideally, replace the RT and give them time to gel.
Posted by: finsfan72 | September 03, 2011 at 05:30 PM
Armando,
As far as the Allen and Johnson cuts:
The Fins are sticking to the youth movement-plan. They don't want to impede
the progress of the young players with less reps. This fortifies my suspicion that they will have a youth-criteria on anyone picked up to bolster the O-line.
Posted by: Mark Warriner | September 03, 2011 at 05:31 PM
I just heard Sparano on NFL Network say he`s not worried in the least about the RT spot because Marc Culombo is a tough guy!! Hey Coach I`m a tough guy to but at 40 years of age going 6`1" 220 I`m the last guy you want at RT, JUST SAYIN!
Posted by: fin4life | September 03, 2011 at 05:31 PM
I don't think they're done trying to upgrade the RB position. If they are, I'd HATE to see Bush and Thomas get hurt. DOH!
Posted by: finsfan72 | September 03, 2011 at 05:31 PM
Maybe they bring back Allen at a discount?
Posted by: finsfan72 | September 03, 2011 at 05:33 PM
Looks to me like the Dolphins have decided to get younger, plan for the long-term. No Ricky, Ronnie, Will, Larry etc etc.
Not a bad idea, honestly.
Posted by: Nickzi | September 03, 2011 at 05:34 PM
finsfan, I hope so. He's like JT. Situational player with skill but intangible contribution to the team .... off the charts.
Posted by: Kidikarus | September 03, 2011 at 05:34 PM
odin,
Been doing the same thing, I'm hoping the FO will bring him back after week 1, so they don't have to guarantee his salary (cheap so-and-so's). I hope nobody else picks him up (unlikely, he's still good). I'm afraid they copulated with fido on this one.
Posted by: JaxDolphin | September 03, 2011 at 05:37 PM
So I guess any "tough guy" can keep fast 300 lb pass rushers off of Chad Henne?
Posted by: finsfan72 | September 03, 2011 at 05:37 PM
Why did they cut Cognito? I thought he was safe.
Posted by: Tony Pasta Al Dente | September 03, 2011 at 05:37 PM
I liked Will Allen because Tom Brady LOVES Benny Sapp.
(BIG SIGH)
Posted by: odinseye | September 03, 2011 at 05:38 PM
I'm afraid they copulated with fido on this one.
Posted by: JaxDolphin | September 03, 2011 at 05:37 PM
NOT AGAIN-ROTFLMAO!
Posted by: odinseye | September 03, 2011 at 05:39 PM
odinseye - that's the harsh reality of relationships in the NFL/
Posted by: Nickzi | September 03, 2011 at 05:40 PM
odin,
Been doing the same thing, I'm hoping the FO will bring him back after week 1, so they don't have to guarantee his salary (cheap so-and-so's). I hope nobody else picks him up (unlikely, he's still good). I'm afraid they copulated with fido on this one.
JaxDolphin | September 03, 2011 at 05:37 PM
I got a feeling we see him again Sept.12 in his Patriot uniform as there nickel corner.
Posted by: fin4life | September 03, 2011 at 05:40 PM
Didn't they already rework Will Allen's contract once? Doesn't sound like he expects to return to the Dolphins.
Posted by: Nickzi | September 03, 2011 at 05:42 PM
That'll teach 'em to be cheapskates!
Posted by: finsfan72 | September 03, 2011 at 05:43 PM
If not the Pats Will Allen can go back to the Giants who are starved for DB`s with 1st Rd. pick Prince Amukamara hurt along with Terrelle Thomas (Nickel) and D. Johnson (starter) out for the Season.
Posted by: fin4life | September 03, 2011 at 05:44 PM
Good point, I'm sure the Giants will snap him up.
Posted by: finsfan72 | September 03, 2011 at 05:45 PM
fin4,
Oh My God, this is one time I hope you're wrong.
But that sounds like NE.
Posted by: JaxDolphin | September 03, 2011 at 05:45 PM
That'll teach 'em to be cheapskates!
finsfan72 | September 03, 2011 at 05:43 PM
I`m really starting to believe that Ireland has a limmit from Ross for player salary during the Season.
Posted by: fin4life | September 03, 2011 at 05:46 PM
The Will Allen butchery does have a certain sense of fidonic copulation about, sadly.
Posted by: Nickzi | September 03, 2011 at 05:47 PM
Restelli?
I bet he goes back to the Eskimos.
Posted by: odinseye | September 03, 2011 at 05:48 PM