As had been rumored for nearly a month, the Miami Dolphins released Lawrence Timmons after just one season, putting the 31-year-old former Steelers linebacker back on the open market.
Timmons, a first-round draft pick of the Steelers in 2007, signed a two-year, $12-million contract with Miami last season after spending the first 10 years of his career in Pittsburgh. The Steelers would have liked to have signed Timmons back last year but weren't going to go that high with a contract offer.
A reunion with the Steelers could be possible. Pittsburgh is in the market for a replacement for Ryan Shazier, who suffered a serious spinal injury Dec. 4 at Cincinnati. Shazier, who was named to his second Pro Bowl last season, will not play this year.
General manager Kevin Colbert said two weeks ago at the NFL Scouting Combine the team would like to add two players to the position as possible replacements, whether they come through the draft or free agency.
Timmons had 84 tackles in Miami last season but failed to record a sack for the first time since his rookie season, when he served as a backup with the Steelers. He also failed to record an interception for the just the third time since the 2008 season.
In his previous seven seasons with the Steelers, he recorded more than 100 tackles six times.
He also was suspended for one game without pay for leaving the Dolphins without permission early in the season when Timmons returned to Pittsburgh to resolve a family issue.
Timmons would represent an upgrade over Sean Spence, who was signed by the Steelers after Shazier and backup Tyler Matakevich both were injured in the win at Cincinnati. But it is unclear at this point if the Steelers would have an interest in bringing back a linebacker who will turn 32 in two months.
One other possible veteran target for the Steelers, Jacksonville's Paul Posluszny, announced his retirement Tuesday.
