Dolphins' J. Williams asks for release

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Dolphins' J. Williams asks for release
By Joe Schad

Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Friday, February 18, 2005

DAVIE — While Todd Grantham was choosing to become defensive coordinator of the Cleveland Browns instead of the Dolphins on Thursday, Miami was plotting its salary-cap relief.

Defensive end Jay Williams, scheduled to make $900,000 plus a $400,000 roster bonus this season, requested his release next Tuesday after being asked to restructure his current contract.

"I would like to stay with the team, but they wanted me to take a pay cut," Williams said. "There is a middle ground to everything and I would have met in the middle. They did what they wanted to do and I did what was best for me and my family."

Before Nick Saban was hired, Williams said: "I'll tell you straight up. I don't like college coaches.... I don't think this team needs a disciplinarian."

Williams said he never had a chance to sit down with Saban and in casual contact the coach never inquired about the comments.

"Those comments were made in an effort to get Jim Bates hired," Williams said of former interim coach.

Among the players expected to be released for salary-cap reasons as early as Tuesday are quarterback Jay Fiedler, safety Arturo Freeman and linebacker Junior Seau, saving Miami $12 million against the cap.

Other players whose contracts could require restructuring or release: fullback Rob Konrad, wide receiver David Boston, tackle Damion McIntosh, defensive tackle Tim Bowens and kicker Olindo Mare.

Grantham chose to work for Browns coach Romeo Crennel instead of Nick Saban, with whom he had once worked under at Michigan State. Grantham had interviewed with the Dolphins in January, but Saban did not make an offer then.

Grantham, defensive line coach of the Texans, impressed Crennel in an interview Wednesday. With Grantham out of the running, the Dolphins could turn to Will Muschamp or George Edwards who already are on the Miami staff.

Noteworthy: The Dolphins are interested in bringing back unrestricted free-agent linebacker Morlon Greenwood.... A report on the NFL Network suggested Miami is likely to sign quarterback Gus Frerrotte, who played under offensive coordinator Scott Linehan in Minnesota. Frerrotte, 34, would fill a backup void.


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