The Miami Dolphins reportedly restructured the contract of star offensive tackle Terron Armstead to create over $11 million in cap space.
The Dolphins reworked Terron Armstead’s deal, creating $11.876M in cap.
The Cardinals reworked DJ Humphries’ deal, creating $5.33M in cap.
The Eagles reworked Jake Elliott’s deal, creating $2.492M in cap.
The Ravens reworked Michael Pierce’s deal, creating $2.668M in cap.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 10, 2023
This isn’t the first move that the Dolphins have made to open up cap space, as they recently restructured pass rusher Bradley Chubb’s deal. These moves, as well as the team’s expected release of cornerback Byron Jones, will give Miami some much-needed cap space.
The benefit of restructuring these deals for Miami is that it can now potentially add more talent to the roster in free agency. By restructuring the deals to get under the cap, the Dolphins are still able to retain key players like Armstead and Chubb even though they are earning large salaries.
Armstead, who was the Dolphins’ prized offensive line acquisition last offseason, appeared in 13 games for the Dolphins last season. The veteran tackle posted a Pro Football Focus grade of 77.5.
After spending the first nine years of his NFL career with the New Orleans Saints, Armstead became an anchor on Miami’s offensive line when he was on the field last season.
It’s clear that he’s a key part of the Dolphins’ future, especially since the team needs to protect quarterback Tua Tagovailoa better after he suffered two confirmed concussions in the 2022 season.
The Dolphins made the playoffs last season, finishing with a 9-8 record. Without Tagovailoa, Miami was knocked out of the playoffs in the first round by the Buffalo Bills.
Even though the Dolphins have a solid roster, they certainly could improve it in free agency with the newfound cap space from this move.
Miami ranked 27th in the NFL in passing yards allowed last season, and with Jones on his way out, the team could use some help in the secondary.
Not only that, but Miami needs to add at the running back position with Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson both set to hit free agency. A solid running game is crucial to helping maximize Tagovailoa’s talents.
Dolphins fans have to be glad that Miami found a way to open up this much space while keeping an important player like Armstead on the roster.
