The Dolphins are actively getting ready for the NFL’s official free agency period, which begins at 4pm eastern on Wednesday March 9th. However, teams are permitted to begin to contact and enter into contract negotiations with certified agents of players who will become Unrestricted Free Agents on Monday March 7th.
The Dolphins have just announced that they have restructured Suh’s contract. The details have not been released, yet it is possible that the Dolphins may have been able to create around an additional $18 million by turning most of Suh’s 2016 salary into an up front bonus. In addition, Miami has just released Greg Jennings, which will create $4 million in cap space, and restructured Koa Misi’s contract, creating even a little cap relief there as well.
The Dolphins still have a few other big decisions to make that can additionally effect their cap space. For starters, they can cut or restructure Jordan Cameron, who’s $7.5 million is way too high for his level of production so far. Many football gambling fans will argue that cutting him will just cause another hole in the Dolphins roster. But couldn’t they use that $7.5 million in savings and sign one of the free agent Tight ends on the market and stilll have savings left over? The FA are several intriguing prospects out their to sign: Antonio Gates, Ladarius Green, Benjamin Watson, Coby Fleener, Dwayne Allen, Zach Miller, Jared Cook, and Vernon Davis. Saving at the TE position would make sense, unless Gase envisions great things from Cameron as his contract warrants.
Next the Dolphins will have to decide what they will do with both Brent Grimes and Cameron Wake. Grimes is on the books after dead cap money is included for $6.5 million, and Wake is on the books for $8.4 million. Both are very good players, but in the last stretch of their careers. Yet, their positions are very thin areas for the Dolphins, so their value is enhanced because cutting either player will just create an even bigger hole to positions that desperately need improvement.
The Dolphins have already been proactive and brought Defensive end Mario Williams in for a visit on Saturday. Fora reasonable price of a “show me” one year signing, this “could” be be a terrific signing. Williams still has more in the tank and has been a menace for Miami for the last 4 years. Williams is not going to be cheap, but it could offset the departure of Vernon, or Wake, or both. Personally, I think Vernon is a good player, but will downshift a bit once he gets his big payday this season. On the surface a combination of Wake, Suh, and Williams has a nice look to it with three potentially hall of fame players, each of them playing together with a chip on their shoulder due to criticism from last season. Then just for fun, the Dolphins could release Earl Mitchell and bring back Paul Soliai for a pick at McDonalds “Super-Sized” value menu at the DT spot.
In regards to the Cornerback position, don’t be surprised if the Dolphins kick the tires for Janoris Jenkins of the LA Rams, who is arguably the best available free agent at the position on the open market. Besides Jenkins, the Dolphins other options are Prince Amukamara, Pac-Man Jones, Casey Hayward, or Morris Claiborne. It would be nice if Miami could sign one or even two of these corners, so Grimes and his wife could be shown the door.
It appears that the Dolphins already have a solid plan in place to create around $30 million in cap space. The key for them is to not to be drunk with it and spend wisely and keeping developing a responsible approach to the cap. Spending sprees sometimes work as with the Broncos last season, but more often than not, they don’t! How Miami will respond begins tomorrow. Go Fins!!!