Thursday 15 March 2018 19:10, UK
The Miami Dolphins have acquired center Daniel Kilgore from San Francisco amid reports they plan to release three-time Pro Bowl center Mike Pouncey.
Kilgore is a seven-year veteran who started all 16 games for the 49ers last season. As part of the trade Thursday, Miami swapped seventh-round draft picks with San Francisco.
Pouncey, 28, has been plagued by serious problems with both hips, and at one time said he feared the issue might be career-ending. But last season he played in all 16 games for the first time since 2012.
"I gave this city everything had," Pouncey told the Palm Beach Post. "I'm heartbroken."
When asked to take a pay cut, Pouncey instead asked for a raise as part of a long-term deal, he said. The team declined his request.
"At the end of the day I'm a Miami Dolphin for life," Pouncey said. "This city gave me an opportunity to play in the NFL. I think it was awesome. I had a hell of a ride here."
Four-time Pro Bowl guard Josh Sitton agreed to terms with Miami on a two-year deal that could be worth nearly $18m including incentives, said his agent, Jack Reale.
Sitton became a free agent when the Chicago Bears declined an $8m option for 2018.
The Dolphins also signed former New England Patriots receiver Danny Amendola, his agent said.
Ndamukong Suh was released Wednesday by the Miami Dolphins, who announced previously reported deals involving wide receiver Jarvis Landry and defensive end Robert Quinn are now official.
The Dolphins also released tight end Julius Thomas, who was due $6.5m in 2018. The seven-year veteran was deemed too pricey after making 41 receptions for 388 yards and five touchdowns.
The departure of Suh, Thomas and linebacker Lawrence Timmons restored more than $29m to Miami's salary cap even though Suh's cap hit for the 2018 season will be more than $22m - dead money representing the remnants of a $114m contract he signed in free agency three years go.
Suh is a five-time Pro Bowl selection who began his career with the Detroit Lions.
Landry was given the franchise designation in free agency before the Dolphins shipped their leading receiver to the Cleveland Browns.
Quinn, a former first-round pick of the Rams, brings a proven pass rusher to pair with 36-year-old Cameron Wake.
Quinn, 27, is scheduled to receive $10.3m in base salary in 2018 and $11.8m in 2019 as part of a four-year, $57m extension he signed with the Rams in 2014.
Quinn once was one of the most feared defensive ends in the NFL when he totalled 40 sacks from 2012-14 while the Rams were in St. Louis. But the two-time Pro Bowler has totalled just 17.5 sacks over the past three seasons, with 8.5 coming in 2017.
