As the Miami Dolphins prepare for the upcoming offseason, the team faces a significant challenge in getting their salary cap situation under control.
With the start of free agency approaching, the Dolphins are already over the cap and will need to make some tough decisions to comply.
The first move came with the news that running back Raheem Mostert will be released, which is just the beginning of the team’s roster adjustments.
Miami is currently working through the tricky process of cap compliance, which only counts the top 51 players on the roster.
This provides some flexibility, but the Dolphins still need to cut costs to be in a good financial position heading into free agency.
With 24 impending free agents, Miami is looking at several players who may be cut or have their contracts restructured to free up much-needed cap space.
One player who could be on the chopping block is kicker Jason Sanders. Despite having a solid 2024 season, Sanders carries a $4.7 million cap hit in 2025.
By releasing him, the Dolphins could save $3.3 million, leaving just $1.3 million in dead cap. However, Miami could also look to restructure his contract to avoid parting ways with him. This would help the team save money without having to release a reliable kicker.
Another player who could be on his way out is wide receiver Erik Ezukanma. With limited opportunities to prove himself, the Dolphins could cut him, saving $1.1 million in cap space with no dead money.
Ezukanma could potentially return to the team later on, perhaps after June 1st when the Dolphins are expected to gain additional cap room from other cuts.
The fate of two veterans, Terron Armstead and Bradley Chubb, is also uncertain. Both players are among the highest-paid on the team, and the Dolphins are weighing their options.
Releasing them before June 1st wouldn’t offer the financial relief Miami needs, but post-June 1 releases could provide substantial savings.
Armstead’s release could save $15 million, while Chubb’s release would save $19.55 million. However, Miami won’t be able to use this cap space until June 2nd
, so the Dolphins’ front office, led by general manager Chris Grier, will have to make a decision before the new league year begins in mid-March.
As the Dolphins work through their cap situation, the next few weeks will be crucial in shaping the team’s roster for the 2025 season.
Fans will be watching closely to see which players remain and which ones are cut to make way for fresh talent in the offseason.