Five bold moves the Dolphins can make ahead of free agency

Dec 11, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Kenny Stills (10) celebrates after making a catch in the game against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. The Miami Dolphins defeat the Arizona Cardinals 26-23. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Kenny Stills (10) celebrates after making a catch in the game against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. The Miami Dolphins defeat the Arizona Cardinals 26-23. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 19, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) catches a pass while defended by Miami Dolphins defensive back Byron Maxwell (41) in the first quarter at AT&T Stadium. Dallas won 41-14. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 19, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) catches a pass while defended by Miami Dolphins defensive back Byron Maxwell (41) in the first quarter at AT&T Stadium. Dallas won 41-14. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

Byron Maxwell

As the season progressed, Maxwell got better but there is no question that continued penalties and his inconsistency hurt the Dolphins all season long. Maxwell will cost the Dolphins $8.5 million in cap space this year but his contract balloons to $10 million in 2018.

Releasing Maxwell will only save the Dolphins $5 million and carry $3 million in dead space but the problem is that Maxwell has as much chance to find himself riding the bench in 2017 as he does starting. Let’s not forget that Maxwell was benched in 2016 and only got the job back when Xavien Howard was injured.

The Dolphins need better play from the secondary and especially the corner positions. Maxwell is a big problem with that unit and it’s an area that the Dolphins need to upgrade. Releasing Maxwell is a bold move because the Dolphins do not have a replacement on the roster unless they view Tony Lippett as a real contender to start.

Miami should look at the draft for another corner on day three and free agency should also provide some options that are legitimately as good or possibly better than Maxwell while coming in close if not less than his current salary.