Feb. 26, 2008

By terminating the deals of QB Trent Green, MLB Zach Thomas, DT Keith Traylor, WR Marty Booker and OT L.J. Shelton, the Dolphins’ new front office sent a clear message that wholesale changes will be made to a team that went an embarrassing 1-15 in 2007. Specifically, the message was that players past their prime, especially if they’re attached to a rich contract, had better continue to produce if they want to maintain a roster spot under the new regime. Partly because of the aforementioned cuts, the Dolphins enter free agency with roughly $35 million in salary-cap room, one of the few Dolphins facts that most other teams are envious of. The issues begin at quarterback, where executive vice president of football operations Bill Parcells and his brain trust must determine whether John Beck — underwhelming as a rookie in 2007 — should be given the keys to the offense. Either way, bringing aboard another passer is a necessity. But multiple players will need to be nabbed to upgrade a lackluster receiving corps and porous O-line. The defense is in dire need, as well. Miami wants to revert to a 3-4 scheme, but the switch could be dictated by whether it brings in a suitable, wide-bodied nose tackle. All three defensive levels need substantial upgrades, so expect the Fins to be scouring the free-agent list and waiver wire. S Yeremiah Bell is the only defender worth forking over even moderate money to re-sign, and even he’s a bit of a wild card coming off a torn Achilles tendon.