Joey Porter cited for battery

It sure didn't take long for new Dolphin Joey Porter to land himself in trouble. Porter was cited for misdemeanor battery charges on Sunday after getting into a fight with Bengals lineman Levi Jones. Porter punched Jones in the eye, causing a laceration.

If found guilty, Porter could face up to six months in jail. In addition, the NFL could take disciplinary measures against Porter.

More free agency news

In the last few days, the Dolphins added FB Cory Schlesinger and PK Jay Feely. Schlesinger is one of the better blocking fullbacks in the league, and the team will be relying on his blocking skills more so than his running. The addition of Feely signals the end of Olindo Mare's tenure with the team. Mare had an inconsistent year in 2006, but I was still surprised they wanted to get rid of him.

The Dolphins also tried to lure WR Donte Stallworth, but he wound up signing with the Patriots. The Patriots have been active in free agency. In addition to Stallworth, they got TE Kyle Brady and WRs Wes Walker (from the Dolphins) and Kelley Washington. On the defensive side of the ball, the Patriots signed one of the most sought after players in LB Adalius Thomas. It's scary thinking about how the Patriots may be even better next year.

Dolphins get Porter, Martin; cut McMichael, Harrington

The Dolphins made a big splash in free agency by signing former Pittsburgh LB Joey Porter to a five-year deal worth $32 million. The Steelers waived Porter earlier because they thought his skills were diminishing. Incidentally, Porter was voted the second-dirtiest player in the NFL.

On the flip side, the team cut QB Joey Harrington, as expected, and TE Randy McMichael, which was a surprise to me. To replace McMichael, the Dolphins signed former Green Bay TE David Martin.

Cutting Harrington was no big deal to me, but it remains to be seen whether McMichael-for-Martin and signing Porter to a big contract prove to be good moves.

More familiar names depart

While the Dolphins haven't added any players during the free agency period thus far, they've lost a few. OT Damion McIntosh left for Kansas City, RB Sammy Morris went to New England, and DT Dan Wilkinson is now a Denver Bronco. The latter came about as a result of a trade, with the Dolphins receiving the Broncos' sixth round pick. WR Wes Welker is also being wooed by the Patriots, but if New England nabs him, they will forfeit a second round draft choice to the Dolphins as compensation.

Dolphins prepare for free agency

The NFL free agency period begins today, and the Dolphins prepared their roster (and salary cap) for it by waiving guards Seth McKinney and Bennie Anderson as well as WR Eric Kimble. The team is also expected to waive QB Joey Harrington but has until next Wednesday to do so before getting a big salary cap hit.

This year's free agent market is thin in talent, and the Dolphins are looking to plug holes on the offensive line, linebacker, quarterback, and defensive back.