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Darnell Dockett leads long list of NFL veterans cut

Darnell Dockett leads long list of NFL veterans cut

It might come as a surprise, but the Arizona Cardinals released defensive tackle Darnell Dockett, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Dockett tore his ACL prior to last season and missed the entire 2014 campaign. The colorful and outspoken defensive lineman turns 34 in May and was scheduled to hit for nearly $9 million on this year's salary cap. Dockett signed a four-year, $35.3 million deal prior to the 2010 season and has spent his entire career with the Cardinals until now.

Although injury and age work against him, Dockett still should garner solid attention on the free-agent market. This feels like a salary cap-related move by the Cardinals, who previously were projected to have about $5 million in space to operate.

'Tis the season for NFL teams to hack veterans, and Friday brought a slew of financially motivated cuts.

The Miami Dolphins cut receivers Brian Hartline and Brandon Gibson. The Atlanta Falcons cut receiver Harry Douglas and offensive lineman Justin Blalock one day after chopping Steven Jackson. The Washington Redskins cut defensive linemen Barry Cofield and Stephen Bowen. The Cincinnati Bengals parted ways with wideout Greg Little and defensive lineman Robert Geathers. It's all part of the fat-trimming teams are doing with the start of the new league year and free agency nearly upon us (March 10, officially).

Dockett is the biggest name of the bunch, and he should find work elsewhere. As for some of the others, it's not clear that will happen, at least not immediately.

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Eric Edholm is a writer for Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at edholm@yahoo-inc.com or follow him on Twitter!