Earlier this month, the Dolphins cut on the same day defensive back Will Allen and running back Larry Johnson. Now, both are back.
Johnson returned last week. Allen, per a league source, returns today.
The source says Allen has signed a one-year deal, and he’ll practice with the Dolphins on Wednesday, in advance of Sunday’s Week Two game against the Texans.
Originally picked by the Giants in the first round of the 2001 draft, Allen joined the Dolphins in 2006. He spent all of the 2010 season on injured reserve.
Allen could fill the nickel back vacancy created after the decision to cut Benny Sapp, who was burned for a 99-yard touchdown pass on Monday night.
By cutting Allen before Week One and signing him after it, his base salary for 2011 won’t be guaranteed. Although the Fins brought back Johnson before Week One, it’s important to remember that the guaranteed salary for vested veterans (i.e., guys with four or more years of service) comes from the “termination pay” provision of the labor deal, which gives vested veterans a one-time ability to take the rest of their salary if cut before the end of a season.
Johnson already has exercised that right, in 2009 with the Chiefs. So he doesn’t get to do it again, if the Fins decide to move on.