94 Lawrence Timmons LB

The Dolphins released Timmons on Monday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

After spending a decade in Pittsburgh to begin his career, Timmons found new home in Miami last offseason. The marriage got off to a rocky start when he went AWOL in Week 2, which spurred a one-game suspension. Upon his return Week 4, he proceeded to rank among the Dolphins' leading tacklers, finishing the campaign with 84, his fewest since 2009. A reunion with the Steelers is possible, but his old spot on the strong side is currently occupied by dynamic second-year linebacker T.J. Watt. In the end, Timmons' new employer will determine whether he'll continue to churn out tackles during his age-32 season.

Timmons is expected to be cut by Miami in a move to clear up salary cap space, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports.

Timmons had 84 tackles and three passes defensed in 14 games for Miami this season. Those are hardly numbers that justify the Dolphins bringing him back for another season. His release would save $5.5 million versus the salary cap for Miami but there would also be a $2.75 million charge in dead money.

Timmons recorded 13 tackles (8 solo) in Thursday's loss to the Ravens.

In a game where the Dolphins' defense couldn't stay off the field due to the team's offensive woes, Timmons had plenty of opportunities to be productive and put in his best effort of the season as a result. While this number of tackles is likely unsustainable for the linebacker, he did play in all 65 of the team's defensive snaps and should continue to see plenty of opportunities down the line.

Timmons is slated to make his debut with the Dolphins on Sunday against the Saints, the team's official site reports.

Per the report, Timmons -- who the Dolphins reinstated earlier this week -- is expected to start at linebacker Sunday along with Kiko Alonso and Mike Hull, in the event that the Miami defense opens up the contest in a 4-3 alignment.

Timmons (suspension) practiced fully Wednesday, Jason Lieser of the Palm Beach Post reports.

As expected, Timmons returned to practice after having his indefinite suspension lifted Tuesday. The 31-year-old should slot back in as starting strongside linebacker, but there will likely be more specifics offered on playing time as we enter the back half of the week.