Sherif
Pro Bowler
A league source tells us that the Miami Dolphins seriously are considering the possibility of releasing veteran defensive tackle Daryl Gardener.
According to the source, Gardener's chronic health problems, coupled with a perception of erratic behavior, have prompted the team to take a close look at the pros and cons of parting ways with the first player drafted during the post-Shula era.
Gardener has been plagued by back problems for much of the past two seasons, and he's gone under the knife twice. Last year, Gardener and coach Dave Wannstedt traded verbal jabs regarding the 6'-6", 315-pound lineman's ability to participate in off-season workouts. Also, Gardener and retired receiver O.J. McDuffie got into a shoving match during practice last summer, which involved McDuffie's torso get acquainted with the turf.
This year, the current plan is to slide Gardener to the outside, in order to defray the loss of defensive ends Kenny Mixon and Lorenzo Bromell. As we previously have reported, the Dolphins nevertheless are concerned about the ability of Gardener to physically withstand the demands of playing on the end, given his past back troubles.
Thus, it now seems that the plan could change, and the Gardener might be cut loose. The cap savings would enable the Dolphins to beef up the D-line with guys like Sam Adams and any other guys who might get cut loose elsewhere as training camps open. We also wouldn't be surprised to see the names of former Miami Hurricanes Cortez Kennedy and Russell Maryland surface in connection with the Fins' efforts to beef up the line, if Gardener goes.
Gardener previously restructured his contract during the off-season, in order to reduce his $6.8 million cap number for 2002
According to the source, Gardener's chronic health problems, coupled with a perception of erratic behavior, have prompted the team to take a close look at the pros and cons of parting ways with the first player drafted during the post-Shula era.
Gardener has been plagued by back problems for much of the past two seasons, and he's gone under the knife twice. Last year, Gardener and coach Dave Wannstedt traded verbal jabs regarding the 6'-6", 315-pound lineman's ability to participate in off-season workouts. Also, Gardener and retired receiver O.J. McDuffie got into a shoving match during practice last summer, which involved McDuffie's torso get acquainted with the turf.
This year, the current plan is to slide Gardener to the outside, in order to defray the loss of defensive ends Kenny Mixon and Lorenzo Bromell. As we previously have reported, the Dolphins nevertheless are concerned about the ability of Gardener to physically withstand the demands of playing on the end, given his past back troubles.
Thus, it now seems that the plan could change, and the Gardener might be cut loose. The cap savings would enable the Dolphins to beef up the D-line with guys like Sam Adams and any other guys who might get cut loose elsewhere as training camps open. We also wouldn't be surprised to see the names of former Miami Hurricanes Cortez Kennedy and Russell Maryland surface in connection with the Fins' efforts to beef up the line, if Gardener goes.
Gardener previously restructured his contract during the off-season, in order to reduce his $6.8 million cap number for 2002