Assessing the Miami Dolphins’ Contract Errors and Financial Challenges Ahead of the New League Year
Whether the Miami Dolphins intended to act in the best interest of the players or solely for their own benefit, these five contracts have proven to be errors.
As the new league year approaches in March, Miami faces a projected cap deficit of over $51 million. However, the cap is not an immovable constraint and can be manipulated. With adept financial management, the Dolphins could balance their books and potentially even gain up to $100 million in cap space.
While Chris Grier and Brandon Shore possess the expertise to navigate the intricacies of financial planning, it is imperative that they exercise prudence in their dealings this year to avoid future financial burdens.
Emmanuel Ogbah‘s contract, consuming $17 million in cap space for a player now relegated to a backup role, severely impacts the Dolphins’ financial flexibility. Despite Ogbah’s stellar performance in one season, subsequent injuries prevented him from replicating his success, resulting in a costly allocation of resources.
Jerome Baker, although commendable in his contributions in 2023, carries a hefty $14 million cap hit this year. While Miami could potentially recoup a substantial portion of this amount, Baker’s recent performance has not consistently matched his contract expectations.
Terron Armstead‘s contract presents a dilemma for the Dolphins, given the significant dead money implications of parting ways with him. However, paying over $20 million for uncertain availability on game days poses inherent risks, particularly in hindering the team’s ability to secure a reliable left tackle without compromising financial resources.
Xavien Howard, once regarded as a premier shutdown corner, has failed to justify his hefty contract following a decline in performance and recurring injuries. His $25 million cap hit in 2024 constrains Miami’s spending flexibility in free agency, complicating efforts to secure a suitable replacement.
While Tyreek Hill‘s on-field contributions have justified his substantial salary thus far, his staggering $31 million cap hit poses a looming financial burden. Releasing Hill would incur a significant $54 million in dead money, limiting the Dolphins’ capacity to allocate resources to other positions. Despite his undeniable talent, the Dolphins may find themselves constrained in their spending at the wide receiver position due to Hill’s high salary.
