In a bold move, the Miami Dolphins traded Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos, a deal that made strategic sense but initially pushed the Dolphins over the NFL salary cap. Enter Jon-Eric Sullivan, who had to get creative to clear space and keep the team compliant.
The trade became official after Waddle passed his physical, nudging Miami over the cap limit. Sullivan's solution?
He restructured the contracts of De'Von Achane and Aaron Brewer, giving the Dolphins some breathing room. This maneuver allowed Miami to sit $2 million under the cap, thanks to a savvy adjustment in Achane's salary.
Barry Jackson, Miami's go-to beat writer, revealed that these restructures were executed simultaneously with the Waddle trade cap hit. Importantly, these changes don't hinder the Dolphins' ability to extend Achane and Brewer long-term. It's a strategic pause for Miami, as they now focus on the upcoming draft, with plans to use the $20 million freed up from Bradley Chubb's release to sign their draft class in June.
Currently, the Dolphins hold the unenviable position of leading the league in dead money. But this is all part of a larger plan.
With major contracts like Tyreek Hill, Jalen Ramsey, and Jaylen Waddle coming off the books next year, Miami is poised to have significant cap space moving forward. The team is taking the financial hit now, carrying Tua Tagovailoa's $42 million and an additional $12.8 million from Chubb's release.
Sullivan and cap wizard Brandon Shore have been orchestrating these financial maneuvers with precision, setting the Dolphins up for a brighter future. This year's draft is crucial, with 11 picks offering the chance to bring in immediate starters and build depth for the future. It's a pivotal moment for Miami, as they aim to capitalize on these opportunities and continue their rebuild with a keen eye on the future.