The Miami Dolphins aren't waiting until the new league year to trim the fat off last season's underwhelming defense.
The team terminated the contracts of defensive end Quinton Coples and cornerback Brice McCain on Friday.
Neither move should surprise Dolphins fans.
Coples' $7.8 million option for 2016 was an outrageous amount for a player who barely made a blip on the radar over six games. The former first-round pick of the New York Jets will struggle to convince teams that he's about to emerge into some type of defensive whirlwind going forward.
McCain's release saves Miami $2.5 million while ridding the club of a slot corner who gave up too many plays last season.
The cuts won't mark the final changes for a team now under the guidance of new coach Adam Gase and his hand-picked defensive coordinator, Vance Joseph.
