The Miami Dolphins entered the offseason knowing they would need to create salary cap space. There are two ways NFL teams can create salary cap space. They are releasing players and restructuring the way players get paid. Teams can take salaries and roster bonuses and change them to signing bonus dollars. This takes the value being paid to the player in one lump sum. That’s obviously good news for the player. And it allows the team to stretch those dollars over the length of the contract. When the new league year opens next Wednesday every team needs to have their top 51 paid players under the cap. This week the Dolphins have created the cap space necessary to comply with NFL rules. The Miami Dolphins moves this week put the $28 million under the cap for 2023.
General Manager Chris Grier is not afraid to make splashy moves. Last offseason the Dolphins shocked the NFL world by trading for Chiefs reciever Tyreek Hill. And at the trade deadline Grier brought in Bradley Chubb to complement Jalen Phillips. In doing so, the Dolphins have an elite pass rushing duo that other teams would kill for. Chris Grier and his entire team have done a spectacular job bringing in proven talent, paying said talent, and keeping enough in the kitty for the young players. The first young player due to get a massive payday this offseason is Christian Wilkins. His partner in the interior of the defensive line could also get some money coming his way this offseason; Zach Seiler. Here are the Miami Dolphins moves that put the $28 million under the cap.
Releasing Byron Jones
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Byron being released was an expected move for the Dolphins. The move for the Dolphins creates $13.6 million in cap space. Jones is designated as a post-June 1st cut. The Dolphins have also release Tight End Cethan Carter.
Bradley Chubb Restructure
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Bradley restructured his deal just 5 months after signing a new deal with Miami. The move for Miami created $14.66 million in cap space. This was not a surprising move.
Terron Armstead Restructure
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This was the most surprising restructure the Dolphins have done so far. Less than a year after signing a $75 million contract, he took his 2023 money and received it upon signing his new deal. For Miami it creates an additional $11.88 in cap space.
Tyreek Hill Restructure
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Another Dolphins player restructured less than a year after signing a big money deal. Tyreek’s restructure saves the Dolphins $18 million.
What's Next
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There are a two names that could be on the trade block for the Dolphins. Emmanuel Ogbah and Cedrick Wilson saw their roles reduced when the team brought in Chubb and Hill. If the Dolphins trade both they would create $17.2 million in cap space. Jason Sanders, Keon Crossen, and Durham Smythe are all cut candidates that would clear almost $10.5 million for Miami.