INDIANAPOLIS _ The Miami Dolphins are expected to release veteran defensive end Andre Branch in a move that will send him into free agency, and save the team $7 million in salary cap space.
Branch _ who had 48 tackles, six sacks and one forced fumble in 28 games the past two seasons _ has one year remaining on a three-year, $24 million deal he signed with the Dolphins in 2017.
While Branch remains on the Dolphins' roster, he will likely be released before the new league year begins on March 13, according to the NFL Network.
Branch is among a group of Dolphins players who could be released this offseason, resulting in nearly $50 million of salary-cap space for Miami.
The Dolphins have been shopping quarterback Ryan Tannehill, hoping to trade the veteran for at least one addition draft pick in this year's NFL draft.
If Miami is unsuccessful in finding a trade partner, Tannehill could be waived as a June 1 release to save the team $18.75 million he is set to earn in 2019.
Miami could also release defensive end Robert Quinn, who had 38 tackles, 6.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in his one season with the Dolphins last year. That move would clear $12.93 million in cap space.
Miami is expected to release receiver DeVante Parker, who never lived up to his first-round billing since being drafted by the Dolphins in 2015. The Dolphins will likely not honor the fifth-year option on his rookie contract, saving $9.38 million.
Veteran guard Ted Larsen, whose instrumental block cleared the way for the game-winning, 69-yard touchdown against the New England Patriots in the Miami Miracle last season, could also be released to save the Dolphins $2.12 million.
If the Dolphins cut those five players, they could save $50.19 million and have about $71 million in cap space this offseason.
