Dolphins clear major cap space by restructuring Hill, Armstead contracts; RB Ahmed returning for 2023

The Miami Dolphins continue to set themselves up financially for the start of free agency Monday, and are now well below the salary cap after two immense moves.

After they restructured outside linebacker Bradley Chubb’s contract for $14 million in cap relief, as reported Thursday morning, the Dolphins first cleared another $11.876 million by reworking left tackle Terron Armstead’s deal and a whopping $18 million with a restructure of wide receiver Tyreek Hill’s contract, according to a league source and ESPN on Friday.

Between the three moves and the release of tight end Cethan Carter on Tuesday, the Dolphins go from $16 million over the cap to about $29 million under. They’re also clearing $13.6 million by releasing cornerback Byron Jones, but since Miami is making that move with a post-June 1 designation, those savings can’t be realized until then.

Free-agency negotiations begin Monday at noon. Free agents can first sign with new teams Wednesday.

Contract restructuring largely alters a player’s base salary into bonuses. The player still makes his money, but the franchise can find cap relief with the hit from the bonus spread out over remaining years on the deal.

Hill’s $10 million roster bonus and $16 million salary is being converted to a $24.835 million bonus and just $1.165 million salary, according to the league source. Armstead carries with him a $21.1 million cap number in 2023. More than half of it now doesn’t count against the 2023 cap for Miami, according to ESPN.

Other Dolphins who could be candidates for restructures include cornerback Xavien Howard and defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah if the team seeks to create more space.

With further moves made, Miami can potentially pursue a standout free agent at positions of need like linebacker, cornerback, running back, tight end, possibly safety or on the offensive line, plus fill out the roster with either its own free agents or economical outside options.

Ahmed returning

Some of that cap space will go to running back Salvon Ahmed, who is signing again with the Dolphins, according to a league source. Ahmed was entering restricted free agency this offseason.

His return guarantees Miami will at least have one player from its backfield staying, as all four active-roster tailbacks from the 2022 season were heading into free agency.

Ahmed had 12 carries for 54 yards and a touchdown as a reserve running back for the Dolphins last season. Over three seasons in Miami, he has accumulated 532 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 141 carries.

The Dolphins were led by the combination of Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. the second half of last season after Wilson was acquired via trade from the San Francisco 49ers. Mostert and Wilson are unrestricted free agents.

Both have vast experience under coach Mike McDaniel, dating back to their time together in San Francisco. Wilson has expressed interest in returning to the Dolphins, and general manager Chris Grier has said it’s possible they bring the tandem back in 2023.

Fellow tailback Myles Gaskin is also an unrestricted free agent after he finished last season on injured reserve to have a shoulder procedure done.

Full coaching staff announced

The Dolphins finalized their 2023 coaching staff and announced it Friday.

The top assistant coaching position that had not yet been reported was the outside linebackers coach role going to Ryan Slowik, who was promoted within the organization from his post as a defensive assistant the year before. Other returning coaches with new roles are offensive assistants Ricardo Allen and Mike Judge.

Miami hired seven new coaches this cycle: defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, defensive passing game coordinator/secondary coach Renaldo Hill, offensive line coach Butch Barry, safeties coach Joe Kasper, assistant defensive line coach Kenny Baker, defensive assistant Steve Donatell and offensive assistant Max McCaffrey.

Three top defensive assistants were retained under Fangio: linebackers coach Anthony Campanile, defensive line coach Austin Clark and cornerbacks coach/pass game specialist Sam Madison. Top returning offensive assistants include coordinator Frank Smith, quarterbacks coach Darrell Bevell, wide receivers coach Wes Welker, running backs coach Eric Studesville and tight ends coach Jon Embree.

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from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/aZOH9k0