Fins release Branch, Larsen as rebuild begins

The Miami Dolphins are diving headfirst into a rebuild, with the first step being to shed unsavory veteran contracts off the books.

They started that process Thursday by releasing defensive end Andre Branch and guard Ted Larsen.

The two moves will save Miami $9.15 million in salary cap space.

Several other big Dolphins names are in jeopardy of being released soon, including Ryan Tannehill, defensive end Robert Quinn and wide receiver DeVante Parker.

Branch, 29, convinced the Dolphins to give him a three-year, $24 million deal in March 2017 after a promising 2016 season in which he finished with 5.5 sacks. However, after Branch totaled just six sacks over the past two seasons, it was an easy…