The Miami Dolphins made some cash saving strikes in continuation of their low season enchancment plans on Tuesday, as they’ve formally introduced the discharge of longtime linebacker Jerome Baker.
Dolphins Will Launch Linebacker Jerome Baker
Dolphins are releasing beginning linebacker Jerome Baker, per supply. The 2 sides mentioned a restructured contract, however couldn’t attain an settlement. The Dolphins left the door open to him coming again if he chooses. pic.twitter.com/PApltNdj0a
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 5, 2024
Miami began the low season with one of many worst monetary conditions within the NFL. They have been additional over the wage cap than all however simply two groups, and have already made strikes to assist them change into compliant, an effort that was aided by the league’s determination to lift the cap final week.
Baker has change into simply the newest sufferer. By releasing him, the Dolphins will save simply shy of $10 million for the upcoming season, however will nonetheless shell out $4.9 million in useless cap.
The linebacker has been a mainstay in Miami’s protection since being drafted again in 2018. He led the staff in tackles in 3 of the final 5 seasons, and doubtless would have in 2023 had he not suffered an damage that minimize his common season brief.
Miami Nonetheless Has Costly Linebacker Unit
Gotta say it’s a bit jarring simply what number of holes the Miami Dolphins must fill within the subsequent six weeks. pic.twitter.com/BQhGkPCUAK
— Adam Beasley (@AdamHBeasley) March 5, 2024
It was most likely time for each side to maneuver on, monetary causes apart. The linebacker place was one of many greatest points for the Dolphins this previous season, a scenario that was made worse by a rash of accidents that occurred because the 12 months wore on. The staff will doubtless do what it may to revamp the unit, and so they have loads of gamers underneath contract. However not lots of them have starting-caliber expertise, and those that do are fairly high-priced. David Lengthy led the staff in tackles in 2023, and is inexpensive at $6.7 million subsequent 12 months, however Bradley Chubb’s $26.6 million cap hit is a tricky one to swallow irrespective of the gamers’ manufacturing.
Even after the discharge of Jerome Baker, the Dolphins nonetheless have the fifth costliest linebacking unit within the NFL. He’ll be a part of a free agent class that options gamers like Danielle Hunter, Za’Darius Smith, and Devin White.
Miami made one other large determination on their protection only a day earlier when it was introduced that they might not place the franchise tag on deal with Christian Wilkins, permitting the proficient large man to enter free company.
