The fine print of the Miami Dolphins’ latest trade makes it an awfully easy gamble
What is the total cost of the Miami Dolphins’ bet on former third-round draft pick Caedan Wallace?
The Miami Dolphins struck a rare in-division trade with the New England Patriots on Monday. It brought them an extra insurance policy along the offensive line, with former New England Patriots lineman Caedan Wallace entering the fray as part of a future late-round pick swap.
Wallace will compete for playing time on the Dolphins’ line and, potentially, be a backup option for right tackle Austin Jackson. Wallace played right tackle for his college career at Penn State. But beyond the trade compensation, the Dolphins are bringing in the final two years of a rookie contract. And the cost tells a story about what kind of move this was for the Miami Dolphins.
The added cost of the Miami Dolphins’ bet on OL Caedan Wallace
Wallace will now be under contract with the Dolphins for both the 2026 and 2027 seasons — making him a potential long-term play even if he isn’t charged with starting games this season. And across those two seasons of play, Wallace will be owed a grand total of $2,963,480 dollars. The total split: $1.34 million in 2026, then $1.61 million in 2027. And that’s omitting the best part of this deal for Miami.
None of this salary is guaranteed. So if Wallace ends up performing poorly and doesn’t justify a roster spot? They’re not out the cash for making the bet that they did on his physical ability.
So for a future 6th & 7th round pick swap, the Miami Dolphins are taking on two years of salary at less than $3 million in total. And none of it is guaranteed. Wallace is going to need to come in and inspire — but he’s barely over minimum salary with his financial cost. Miami is expensing a few hundred thousand dollars and a roster spot. And that, to me, is well worth finding out if this former third-rounder just needed a change of scenery.
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