MIAMI — The Miami Dolphins appear ready to move on without their defensive anchor.

Miami is discussing releasing five-time Pro Bowl tackle Ndamukong Suh when the NFL’s new year begins Wednesday, a person familiar with the situation said Monday. The person said nothing has been finalized, and confirmed the conversations to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Dolphins have not commented.

The Dolphins are also expected to release veteran linebacker Lawrence Timmons, the person said.

Suh’s release is anticipated unless he agrees to a significant contract restructuring, which is unlikely. He signed a $114 million, six-year deal with the Dolphins when he joined them in 2015, and his base salary this year would be $17 million.

“Stay tuned,” Suh said in a video posted on Twitter. “There will be some exciting news going on.”

The 305-pound Suh clogs the middle and usually draws double teams, but he’s not a playmaker and has had only 151/2 sacks in three years with Miami. He has a reputation for needless penalties and dirty play, while his aloof personality raised questions about his leadership.

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BILLS-BENGALS TRADE: A person familiar with the deal has told The Associated Press Buffalo has moved up nine spots in the draft by swapping first-round picks with Cincinnati, which also acquired high-priced left tackle Cordy Glenn as part of the trade.

The person spoke to The AP on the condition of anonymity on Monday because teams are not allowed to announce trades until the NFL’s new business year opens Wednesday. Buffalo moved up to the No. 12 spot in the draft by trading the first of its two opening-round selections, 21st overall. The Bills also have the No. 22 pick.

Buffalo also traded its fifth-round pick (158th overall) for the Bengals’ sixth-round selection (187th) as part of the Bills’ second major trade in three days. On Friday, Buffalo traded starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor to Cleveland for a third-round pick.

RAIDERS: Oakland released cornerback Sean Smith and right tackle Marshall Newhouse to create more salary cap room heading into free agency.

The Raiders also officially announced the signing of defensive tackle Justin Ellis to a three-year contract and signed receiver Griff Whalen to a one-year deal. Ellis had agreed to the deal last week to stay off the free-agent market but it was not announced until Monday.

Smith is also facing legal problems. He will plead guilty Tuesday to a felony count of assault with great bodily injury in connection with an altercation in Pasadena last year, according to the attorney for the alleged victim.

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Smith was accused of assaulting his sister’s then-boyfriend, Christopher Woods, on July 4. Two witnesses testified during a preliminary hearing in December that Smith stomped Woods’ head as he lay bleeding and unconscious.

Smith will be sentenced to one year in jail and five years of probation in Los Angeles County Superior Court.

Attorney Jonathan Dennis said Woods “felt the sentence, obviously, was not as strict as it should have been, but he’s pleased he’s admitting guilt.”

BRONCOS: Defensive end Adam Gotsis has been charged with rape in Atlanta.

An incident report says a 30-year-old woman went to Atlanta police headquarters on Feb. 1 and told an investigator Gotsis had raped her on March 9, 2013. The woman said she went to a party with Gotsis and then he took her to his home and raped her.

The Broncos said in a statement that they were aware of allegations of an incident that allegedly happened when Gotsis was in college.

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SEAHAWKS: Seattle is retaining one of its key defensive backs by signing safety Bradley McDougald to a three-year contract.

Bringing back McDougald was important for the Seahawks after he showed his value last season with his ability to fill in at both strong safety and free safety. McDougald was able to fill in for Earl Thomas when he was injured and took over for Kam Chancellor after he was lost for the season to a neck injury.

Saints: Right tackle Zach Strief is retiring after 12 NFL seasons.

Strief, who made a tearful announcement, said his career far exceeded his expectations. He was a seventh-round draft choice out of Northwestern in 2006, which was coach Sean Payton’s first season. He wound up being part of the most successful era in franchise history, which included a Super Bowl triumph in the 2009 season.

CHIEFS: Kansas City released one of its career sack leaders, Tamba Hali, and veteran stalwart of its secondary, Ron Parker, moves designed to help Kansas City get younger on defense and have some financial freedom for the start of free agency.

WASHINGTON: Kicker Dustin Hopkins has re-signed with Washington, where he’s made 73 of 87 career field-goal attempts in three seasons.

COWBOYS: Dallas re-signed defensive tackle Brian Price, an exclusive rights free agent.

Price played in the first eight games for the Cowboys last season before going on injured reserve with a knee injury sustained against Kansas City. The 23-year-old had eight tackles and three quarterback pressures.


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