Dolphins refuse to match offer sheet for Haley

Davie, FL (Sports Network) - The Miami Dolphins decided not to match the offer sheet that restricted free agent defensive tackle Jermaine Haley signed with the Washington Redskins last week.

Therefore, the Dolphins will receive the Redskins’ seventh-round choice in this year’s NFL Draft, which will take place Saturday and Sunday. The pick is the 12th in the round and the 226th overall.

"We came to this decision after carefully evaluating all of our options," said Dolphins head coach Dave Wannstedt. "With Tim Bowens and Larry Chester, and the acquisition of Jeff Zgonina this offseason, we feel good about our depth at the defensive tackle position. This now gives us an additional pick in the draft, and affords us another opportunity to select a young player. Jermaine played well for us, and we wish him the best of luck with the Redskins."

Haley, a reserve defensive tackle, played in all 16 games for the Dolphins in 2002. He posted 37 tackles and picked off one pass during the season, his third with Miami.

Meanwhile, the Dolphins acquired one of New England’s third-round draft choices this year, the 14th pick in the round and the 78th selection overall, in exchange for Miami’s second-round draft choice in 2004.

04/25 17:40:45 ET