National media outlet names the one move the Dolphins have to make this offseason

NFL.com named one offseason move that each franchise needs to prioritize this offseason and their choice for the Miami Dolphins would mean saying goodbye to a former Pro Bowler. Gregg Rosenthal, the "Around the NFL" editor for NFL.com, thinks the Dolphins need to release or trade cornerback Byron Jones this offseason. From NFL.com: The old […]

Zach Ragan — Tennessee Volunteers News Writer
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NFL.com named one offseason move that each franchise needs to prioritize this offseason and their choice for the Miami Dolphins would mean saying goodbye to a former Pro Bowler.

Gregg Rosenthal, the "Around the NFL" editor for NFL.com, thinks the Dolphins need to release or trade cornerback Byron Jones this offseason.

From NFL.com:

The old Dolphins regime built the defense around cornerbacks Xavien Howard and Jones. That figures to change after coordinator Josh Boyer's firing.

Jones didn't play in 2022 coming off Achilles surgery and has an $18.4 million cap figure next season. He won't make that — Miami will have to come up with a restructured contract for him or move on. With no guaranteed money left on the deal, it's not crazy to imagine the Dolphins getting a pick swap or late pick from a team that could work out a new deal with Jones.

Dec 5, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins cornerback Byron Jones (24) takes on the field prior the game against the New York Giants at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins cornerback Byron Jones (24) takes on the field prior the game against the New York Giants at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

This seems like a no-brainer move, though the cap situation makes it a little more interesting than Rosenthal indicates with his comments.

If Miami releases or trades Jones before June 1, they'll be left with a $14.8 million dead cap hit. And they'll only save $3.5 million in cap space.

A post-June 1 release/trade would provide more savings in 2023 and leave the Dolphins with just a $4.7 million dead cap hit and save Miami $13.6 million in cap space.

The only problem with that second scenario is that the Dolphins would face a $10 million dead cap hit in 2024.

So either way, the Dolphins have more to think about with Jones than Rosenthal noted. I tend to think Jones will be wearing a different uniform in 2023, but I'm not sure that's a certainty.

Featured image via Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

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