The Miami Dolphins are done with veteran cornerback Byron Maxwell, their best player at that position last year.
Maxwell fell out of favor with the coaching staff early in the season, and he’s been released today according to a league source. That frees up a roster spot for Miami to sign backup quarterback David Fales, who will be behind Matt Moore for Thursday’s game at Baltimore.
The 29-year-old corner played just two games and hadn’t seen the field since Week 3. He first missed games while dealing with a hamstring injury, but was scratched the past two weeks after being benched.
The Dolphins were frustrated with Maxwell late in the preseason and lost patience with him after the first two games. He was benched in favor of Tankersley for the game in London, then made in active from there forward. He has not appeared in a game for Miami since struggling against the Jets on Sept. 24.
While the team has been vague about Maxwell’s injury status, it was clear from the onset he was demoted for performance. Nonetheless, coach Adam Gase said last week he wouldn’t rule out Maxwell earning his way back on the field this season.
“He always finds a way to get back in the mix,” Gase said. “I know sometimes it’s frustrating when you’re a veteran player and you’ve got a younger guy starting in front of you right now, but the good thing is he’s a pro. He studies hard; he works hard. He goes out there (and) gives us everything he has day in and day out when he’s out there.”
