by Nancy Gay

Filed under: Dolphins, NFL Analysis

INDIANAPOLIS — Joey Porter’s explosive, critical comments about his lack of playing time with the Miami Dolphins in 2009 had nothing to do with the team’s decision to release him last week, general manager Jeff Ireland said Thursday.

“Nothing, in the bearing of why we released Joey — or the intent was to release Joey that day,” said Ireland, noting that Dolphins had to reinstate Porter to their roster the same day after the NFL ruled the move an “invalid termination.”

The sudden reversal was believed to be salary cap related: By releasing Porter prior to March 4, the team didn’t have to pay him a $1 million roster bonus due that day. But $4.8 million in pro-rated bonus money would have accelerated and pushed the Dolphins over the still-in-effect cap limit.

After a morning negotiating session between the NFL and NFL Players Association labor teams produced no movement on Thursday, it appears more likely the new league calendar will begin March 5 without a salary cap in place. That will allow the Dolphins to cut ties with Porter without cap ramifications because of the bonus acceleration.