The Miami Dolphins made a huge move on Tuesday when they released linebacker Jerome Baker, freeing up nearly $9.8 million in salary budget space.
Baker, the Dolphins’ third-round draft pick in 2018, was in the final year of a three-year contract but suffered difficulties due to injuries last season.
An MCL sprain sidelined Baker for four games toward the end of the previous season. Additionally, he underwent wrist surgery following Miami’s regular-season finale, causing him to miss the Dolphins’ playoff loss to Kansas City.
During his time with Miami, Baker started in 82 games, registering 22 1/2 sacks, five interceptions, and six forced fumbles.
During the NFL combine last week, general manager Chris Grier expressed the team’s interest in keeping Baker, saying, “I think the big thing for us was to have the new defensive staff come in, spend time watching the team, and watching the defense as a staff together.”
However, defensive tackle Christian Wilkins is set to enter free agency after requesting a contract extension, which might be another blow for the Dolphins’ defense. Miami chose not to place the franchise tag on Wilkins.
Baker’s dismissal resulted in a dead cap charge of around $4.9 million for the Dolphins. Cutting cornerback Keion Crossen frees up around $2.9 million in cap space.
On Tuesday, the Dolphins added defensive tackle Isaiah Mack to their roster.
Miami’s linebacker situation is unknown, as star pass rushers Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb heal from season-ending injuries. Phillips tore his Achilles tendon in November, and Chubb tore his right ACL.
Furthermore, Grier confirmed during the combine that the Dolphins are expected to part ways with veteran cornerback Xavien Howard, the team’s longest-tenured player, releasing him at the start of the new league year on March 13.
Be the first to comment