The Miami Dolphins have released former first-round pick Josh Freeman, the team announced Friday. The move comes less than a week before training camp begins.
Freeman signed with the Dolphins on April 2 after spending the 2014 season out of the NFL. Miami general manager Dennis Hickey formerly worked with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who selected Freeman with their top pick in 2009. Hickey's familiarity with Freeman led to the signing this spring.
But Freeman was wildly inconsistent in offseason practices and didn't do enough to push backup quarterback Matt Moore for the No. 2 job. In fact, Freeman often split third-string reps with McLeod Bethel-Thompson, which was a sign that Freeman was a long shot to make the Dolphins' 53-man roster.
This may be the last legitimate chance Freeman has to make an NFL roster. He previously played for the Buccaneers (2009-13) and Minnesota Vikings (2013). Freeman has thrown for 13,724 yards, 80 touchdowns and 67 interceptions, and he is 24-36 in his career as a starter.
The Dolphins will open training camp July 30.