The Dolphins cleared $2.6 million in cap room by releasing Gardener and registered a net cap saving of $1 million, as Williams is slated to earn $1.65 million in 2002.
The Dolphins are trying to free more cap space by negotiating a restructured contract for Williams, a seven-year veteran from Wake Forest. The 6-3, 280-pound Williams started 27 games the past two years for Carolina.