Miami Dolphins

Dolphins begin defensive purge with release of McCain, Coples

Published Feb. 12, 2016 5:27 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Miami Dolphins severed ties with veteran cornerback Brice McCain and defensive end Quinton Coples.

The 29-year-old McCain appeared in 14 games, starting 11, for the Dolphins this past season. He had one interception and registered a career-high 39 tackles in his lone season with Miami.

A sixth-round draft pick of the Houston Texans in 2009, McCain has nine interceptions in seven seasons. He started only 10 games in five seasons with the Texans before starting nine of 14 contests with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2014.

Coples was claimed off waivers this past season and appeared in six games after he was released by the New York Jets, who drafted him in the first round in 2012.

Coples registered 16 1/2 sacks in his first three seasons with New York but had only four tackles in 10 games with the Jets in 2015.