...And Kevin Carter??? Dolphins' Harrington, Carter face release Quarterback, lineman could be let go before free-agent signing period begins By Alex Marvez South Florida Sun-Sentinel Posted February 27 2007 INDIANAPOLIS ? The Dolphins are set for some housecleaning before the start of Friday's free-agent signing period, with sources saying Monday that the release of quarterback Joey Harrington and guards Seth McKinney and Bennie Anderson is imminent by week's end. Defensive end Kevin Carter also will be released Thursday if he cannot reach agreement on a restructured contract, a source said, while the agent for Damion McIntosh said that he expects the team's starting left tackle to test the free-agent market. Harrington was 5-6 as a starter in 2006 before being benched in favor of Cleo Lemon, who is expected to compete with Daunte Culpepper for a starting spot in 2007. The roster move will keep the Dolphins from paying Harrington a $1 million roster bonus. A source at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis said the Dolphins are amenable to trading Harrington, but the franchise may not be able to swing a deal heading into free agency. Asked about Harrington's status Friday at the Combine, new Dolphins coach Cam Cameron said, "We've talked on the phone and his status is no different than anybody else's. It's day to day." Carter has started all 32 games for one of the NFL's top defensive lines the past two seasons but is set to earn a $3 million roster bonus along with a 2007 base salary of $2.2 million. That is believed too pricey for the Dolphins, especially after the franchise re-signed defensive tackle Vonnie Holliday last week to a four-year, $20 million contract. Carter said Monday that he and agent Harold Lewis are trying to reach agreement on a new contract because he wants to stay in South Florida. But if allowed to hit the market, Carter also would likely receive a lucrative contract offer from another team that would exceed what the Dolphins may be willing to pay. "This is the time of year where teams look at who they need to invest in and who they don't," Carter said. "I think it's just where I'm going to fall into the mix with that evaluation. It's, `He's getting older versus he's still playing at a high level at 34 with 13 years in the league.'" McIntosh is coming off one of the best seasons of his seven-year career after being reinserted to the starting lineup at left tackle six games into 2006. McIntosh also started two games at right guard even though he had never previously played the position. "We're excited about his potential on the open market," said Weston-based agent Brett Tessler, who recently conducted contract talks with the Dolphins. McIntosh, 29, could become an attractive option for other teams in a free-agent market sorely lacking depth at left tackle. Tessler said McIntosh weighs 330 pounds after losing roughly 20 pounds during offseason workouts. McIntosh, a Hollywood McArthur High graduate, started 41 of 48 games at left tackle for the Dolphins the previous three seasons. If unable to strike a deal, the Dolphins could try to replace McIntosh through a free-agent signing, the draft, converting former starter L.J. Shelton from right guard or promoting 2005 fifth-round draft choice Anthony Alabi. McKinney, a member of the Dolphins since being a 2002 third-round draft choice, missed all of last season because of neck surgery. He was replaced in the starting lineup at right guard by Anderson, who lasted for only two games before suffering a season-ending triceps injury.
