MIAMI (Feb. 23, 2005) -- The Miami Dolphins released quarterback Jay Fiedler, ending his five-year run as the much-maligned successor to Dan Marino.
Last season, Fiedler started just seven games for the Dolphins (4-12), going 1-6 while throwing for 1,186 yards, seven touchdowns and eight interceptions.
Fiedler spent much of the 2004 season on the injured list with a herniated disc. Fiedler was due a $2 million roster bonus in March.
The Dolphins also released safeties Arturo Freeman and Shawn Wooden, and defensive end Jay Williams.
After Marino left before the 2000 season, Fiedler was the only starting quarterback for former Dolphins coach Dave Wannstedt. But after Wannstedt's resignation in November, interim coach Jim Bates replaced Fielder with A.J. Feeley, who won three games the rest of the season.
A call to Fiedler's agent Brian Levy seeking comment was not immediately returned.
Fiedler started one game in six NFL seasons before he started 15 games in 2000 for Miami as the heir to Marino. He led the Dolphins to the first of two straight 11-5 seasons and playoff berths, going 1-2 in the postseason.
The Dolphins would miss the playoffs the next two seasons despite winning records as Fiedler missed nine starts in 2002-03 because of injuries. He missed five starts in 2002 because of a fractured thumb and missed four games in 2003 with a knee injury.
In five seasons with the Dolphins, Fiedler was 36-23 as a starter, throwing for 11,040 yards, 66 touchdown and 63 interceptions. He ranks as the franchise's third-leading passer behind Marino and Bob Griese.
