Dolphins defensive end Cameron Wake wants to play in 2019, but is likely to test the free agent market when it opens next week, according to a league source.

Wake, 37, is two sacks shy of 100 for his career.

It seems more likely now that he would achieve that goal in a uniform that's not aqua and orange.

The Dolphins are in rebuild mode. Perhaps this will give Wake an opportunity to play for a Super Bowl contender.

Miami is moving to a new scheme and unlike Jason Taylor, who moved to linebacker for Nick Saban, Wake is more likely to end his career as a pass-rushing specialist at defensive end.

The Dolphins cut defensive end Andre Branch on Thursday and defensive end Robert Quinn will likely be next.

Miami's defensive front will undergo a complete rebuild. The top defensive end free agent on the market is Trey Flowers, 25, who played for first-year coach Brian Flores in New England.

But Flowers' contract demands could be much greater than Miami wants to swallow. Perhaps not. Miami values the defensive end position.

Wake, a five-time Pro Bowler, was undrafted out of Penn State in 2005. Wake made a name for himself with the BC Lions of the CFL in 2007 and 2008. He made a brief stop with the Giants and chose Miami as a free agent over St. Louis, New Orleans, Buffalo and Minnesota.

Wake is a surefire future member of the Dolphins' Honor Roll, as one of the greatest defensive players in franchise history. He always played with a chip on his shoulder, determined to show players who have been overlooked that they too can reach greatness.

In 10 years with the Dolphins, Wake played in one playoff game, which was a source of frustration.

"It’s a very small window, a very small opportunity," Wake told the Palm Beach Post prior to the 2017 season. "You only get so many swings at the ball here. Knock on wood. I’ve gotten probably more than most. But the reality is you have to cherish every day, because it’s so fleeting.”

jschad@pbpost.com

@schadjoe