Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland told reporters Thursday that CB Brent Grimes (Achilles' surgery) is far enough along that he's "close" to being a participant in the club's offseason conditioning program.

Assuming Ireland's words can be taken at face value, Grimes should be all systems go before training camp. "He's doing really well," said Ireland. "He's almost to the point where he's ready to participate in the offseason conditioning program." The Dolphins are counting on Grimes to be a starter this year.

According to the Miami Herald, free agent Brent Grimes "remains on the radar" for the Dolphins, but "they're not breaking the bank for the guy."

Only the Dolphins, Browns, and perhaps Falcons appear to be in the mix for Grimes at this point. The Buccaneers have dropped out of the hunt. Per the Herald's Armando Salguero, the Fins "have some confidence" they'll win the Grimes sweepstakes, and the sides are "slowly" trying to make a deal happen.

Free agent CB Brent Grimes is not expected to land with the Buccaneers.

Bucs beat writer Rick Stroud expects Grimes -- the top cornerback left on the free-agent market -- to head to Cleveland or Miami. Last week, the Browns were reported to have offered Grimes a multi-year contract. Details of the Dolphins' offer, assuming they've made one at all, are unclear at this time.