The Dolphins claim they are committed to quarterback Chad Henne, for now. "Right now, he's the guy on our football team we have to be committed to, because he's the only one we have right now other than Tom Brandstater and (potentially) Tyler Thigpen," Miami general manager Jeff Ireland said. "We're committed to him right now, and then after that, we'll see what happens." Miami has the 15th pick in April's NFL Draft.

Jeremy Shockey took and passed a physical with the Dolphins on Thursday, according to a league source. It is not known if Shockey, released by the Saints this week, and the Dolphins are negotiating a contract. Shockey is a former Hurricanes star.

The agent for Dolphins free-agent nose tackle Paul Soliai told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel that he and the team are engaged in active discussions about a new contract. However, the agent predicts Soliai will hit the open market. Miami is weighing whether or not to place a franchise tag on the 6-foot-4, 355-pound Soliai that would place his salary at the average of the top five defensive tackles, which is expected to be $12.5 million.

The Dolphins have hired three-time Pro Bowl linebacker Bryan Cox as the team's pass rush coach, bringing him back to the franchise that drafted him 20 years ago. A fifth-round selection by the Dolphins in 1991, Cox played 12 seasons in the NFL, the first five with Miami.