Lost among the Benito Jones signing was this lovely little nugget from the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson that the team has restructured a key player — freeing up additional cap space for general manager Chris Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel to use in free agency and the draft.
According to Jackson, Over the Cap reports that the Miami Dolphins and right tackle Austin Jackson have agreed to restructure his contract.
Jackson, 25, signed a three-year extension with the Dolphins last offseason worth an additional $36 million. He would start eight games for Miami before having his season cut short due to a knee injury. Jackson is now healthy and ready to build upon his strong 2023 campaign.
As for Jackson’s contract restructure, although all the terms are not yet fully known, Over the Cap reports that Miami will convert $9.71 million of Jackson’s 2025 salary into a bonus. His 2025 cap hit was expected to be $13.83 million before the restructure.
Restructures, however, come with a cost, and it appears the first of those ‘costs’ will come next year when Jackson is set to make an additional $1.942 million — bringing his 2026 cap hit to $15.8 million.
Here’s the official snippet from OTC:
“The Dolphins converted $9.71 million of Jackson’s 2025 salary into a signing bonus, reducing his salary cap number by $7.768 million. Each additional contract year, including void years, will see a cap increase of $1.942 million.”
Adding additional money to void years seems counterproductive, but the Dolphins had to get flexible. And for guys like Grier and McDaniel — who could have their future decided based on the outcome of this upcoming season — it needed to be done. The question is, what’s next?
It’s hard to say what this move means for the Dolphins. Could they be readying to give 38-year-old Calais Campbell a hefty contract to return? Perhaps they have their eyes set on a cornerback or safety. Or maybe, just maybe, they let things play out and use that money for their 2025 NFL draft class & any emergency players they need to sign later in training camp.
Whatever the reason, the Dolphins now have a bit more cap space to play with.
What are your thoughts on Austin Jackson restructuring his contract? Do you think this means Calais Campbell will be back? What other players would you like to see Miami bring in this offseason? Let us know in the comments section below!
