The Miami Dolphins have a lot of moves they must make in the offseason in order to improve for Adam Gase's first season with the team and in order to do so they must free up some salary cap space. The Dolphins do not have much space to spare which means they need to get creative in order to sign upgrades on the roster. With several high salaries on the books, Ndamukong Suh is going to be the first target.
Suh was a big free agency signing for Miami last season inking a record $114 million deal. The defensive star is set to earn $23 million with a cap charge of $28 million in 2016 which is a heavy load to carry when other adjustments need to be made. As a result, team vice president Mike Tannenbaum noted that some restructuring could take place in order to help the team fill other holes.
"By the time we get to the first day of the league year, we should have plenty of room to address the needs that we have," Tannenbaum said, via ESPN.com. "Certainly we will be looking at Suh's contract."
Whether Suh agrees to taking a restructure is up for discussion, but the Dolphins certainly need it to help Ryan Tannehill in this upcoming season. The Dolphins have two of their key offensive players hitting the free agent market. Lamar Miller has an expiring contract along with Rishard Matthews. Miller would be key to bring back as the running back proved he could handle the work load of the rushing game. Matthews went from an unhappy teammate to one of the leading receivers in 2015. He would be the perfect complement to Jarvis Landry and DeVante Parker after the struggles of Kenny Stills. Getting Suh to lessen his cap hit to help bring back those two would help the Dolphins.
Another player the Dolphins have to look at is Dion Jordan. The defensive end has been suspended for the season and it is unclear whether or not he will be reinstated. If the NFL allows him to play in 2016, a return to the Dolphins is not a guarantee. According to Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald, the Dolphins need Jordan to actually prove he still wants to be a foot player before they look at keeping him and his contract around.
"I think everyone needs to prove something," Tannenbaum said, vi the Miami Herald. "We talk about creating a competitive environment with guys that want to be a Miami Dolphin and want to be here and love the game and compete. Obviously, what happens whether he gets reinstated or not from that point we'll make that decision once we see him and get him in the building."
In the meantime, James Walker of ESPN.com is reporting the Dolphins are eyeing late-round quarterbacks at the Senior Bowl. Both Jake Coker and Dak Prescott have spoken with the team and could be solid options to bring on and develop behind Tannehill. With the franchise not sold on the starting quarterback just yet, having a solid backup option could be a priority come the fourth or fifth round of the draft.
