The Dolphins will release former second round pick Phillip Merling, according to Jeff Darlington of the NFL Network. Miami had re-signed Merling just last month to a one-year, $1.26 million deal.
Merling has been a disappointment since being picked No. 32 overall in the 2008 draft. Miami essentially had a second first round choice because it had the top pick in the draft that year, and the Patriots forfeited their first round pick in the Spygate scandal.Merling's career has been plagued by injuries, and he has struggled to earn playing time when healthy. He has recorded only 3.5 sacks in 47 games. The Dolphins were likely disappointed with his work ethic, as he reportedly skipped voluntary workouts after signing the deal, which wasn't guaranteed.
In an otherwise forgettable tenure in Miami, Merling did produce a memorable moment when he intercepted then-Jets quarterback Brett Favre and returned it for a touchdown in a game that clinched the division title for the Dolphins in 2008.
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