Dolphins release wideout Hartline after six years with team

MIAMI -- Receiver Brian Hartline was been released Friday by the Miami Dolphins in the wake of a severe drop-off in productivity last season.

Hartline was due to make $5.9 million in 2015, the third year of a $30.8 million, five-year deal he signed in 2013.

He started every game last season but had only 39 catches for 474 yards and two scores. He has spent his entire six-year career with Miami and was a 1,000-yard receiver in 2012 and 2013.

Hartline's salary cap hit this year was $7.35 million. His release clears cap space as the Dolphins prepare for free agency beginning March 10.

The Dolphins are still weighing whether to keep their other starting receiver, Mike Wallace, who has three years left on a $60 million, five-year contract. He was unhappy not to be targeted more last season, and coach Joe Philbin benched him in the second half of the final game after an argument between the star receiver and coaching staff.

Wallace led the Dolphins with 10 touchdowns in 2014, but they may release or trade him to avoid paying his $9.85 million salary for this season.

Jarvis Landry, who led Miami with 84 receptions as a rookie last year, is expected to move into a starting role. Receiver may also be a priority in free agency and the draft.