Dolphins Release Pass Rusher Nate Orchard and Continue to Tank Regardless of What They Say

The Miami Dolphins made a bevy of moves toward a not-so-subtle effort to tank this season, and they only continued into Tuesday.

The team released its top preseason pass rusher Nate Orchard, to go along with the trades of offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil, linebacker Kiko Alonso and wide receiver Kenny Stills.

Now let's get one thing straight: Orchard is no Von Miller. This move is not a league-shocking release that shifts the power structure of the NFL. Orchard is the Hard Knocks darling and a journeyman pass rusher, who has five career sacks on just as many teams.

But it's significant that a team desperate for talent released its most productive preseason pass rusher, who was signed for less than $1 million. His team-high four preseason sacks should have been enough to make arguably the weakest roster in the league, but Miami has its eyes set on the top pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

It's one thing to blatantly tank for the shot at a top quarterback, but it's a disservice to those paying for season tickets. Orchard won't tip the scales one way or the other, but cutting the team's most productive and inexpensive pass rusher is just beyond senseless.