Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Chubb deal helps to clear major cap space
The Miami Dolphins’ process of clearing cap space this week continued with the team restructuring the contract of edge rusher Bradley Chubb, according to reports Thursday morning.
The Dolphins created $14.656 million in cap relief by restructuring Chubb’s deal after trading for him at last season’s early November deadline and reaching a massive five-year, $110 million extension to keep him under contract through 2027, NBC sports and USA Today reported.
Miami should now be within $1 million over the 2023 salary cap after also releasing tight end Cethan Carter on Tuesday.
The Dolphins are releasing cornerback Byron Jones when free agency begins, but those savings would be realized until June as the organization stood to save around $10 million more by cutting Jones with a post-June 1 designation.
The Dolphins are a step closer to regaining flexibility heading into free agency, with negotiations to begin Monday and Wednesday being the first day free agents can sign with new teams.
Contract restructures largely alter a player’s base salary into bonuses.
The player still makes his money, but the franchise can find cap relief. Chubb carries with him a $22.2 million cap number in 2023, which will now be spread out over the remainder of the deal.
Other big-money Dolphins who could be candidates for restructures include wide receiver Tyreek Hill, left tackle Terron Armstead, cornerback Xavien Howard and defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah.
With further moves made, Miami can potentially pursue a standout free agent at positions of need at 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.
Chubb had 13 tackles, 2 ½ sacks, 12 quarterback hits and a forced fumble in eight regular-season games with Miami last season. He added a sack and forced fumble in the playoff loss at Buffalo.