Mere hours after signing Branden Albert, the left tackle the Miami Dolphins hope will lead them into the future, the team unloaded Jonathan Martin, a player who has become a negative part of the team's past.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Dolphins have traded Martin to the San Fransisco 49ers for a conditional draft pick.
Martin started the 2013 season at left tackle for Miami but had immense issues on the field and even deeper issues off it, culminating in a 'bullying' scandal that scarred the franchise and launched a comprehensive NFL investigation into the Dolphins locker room.
The trade to San Francisco provides a fresh start for Martin, who will be reunited with his college coach from Stanford, Jim Harbaugh. The 2012 second round pick will join a veteran team with established players on the offensive line and and experienced coaching staff.
Miami is undoubtedly pleased to get some form of return on a player that was highly unlikely to re-join the team and continue moving forward from the organizational issues highlighted in the Wells Report.
Dolphins general manager Dennis Hickey released a brief statement via the team's Twitter account.
"We feel that this move is in the best interests of all parties involved," Hickey said. "We wish Jonathan well.”
Martin, who started 23 games for Miami over two seasons, also reacted via Twitter.
Opportunities are few in the NFL... Can't wait to get to work #9erEmpire
— Jonathan A. Martin (@J_Martin71) March 12, 2014
Richie Incognito, the primary antagonist of the Wells report and accused primary originator of Martin's internal struggles during his time with the Dolphins, remains unsigned.
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