When the Miami Dolphins began stripping down their roster last March, it quickly became apparent that the team had a “new normal” and their way of conducting business wasn’t going to be quite like what we’ve seen in years past. This team would eventually go on to stockpile NFL Draft selections to the bloated figure it now possesses — 14 total picks.
But then yesterday’s legal tampering period arrived and the Dolphins forked out a record setting contract to CB Byron Jones and saw the team hand out big contract figures to DE Shaq Lawson, LB Kyle Van Noy and OG Ereck Flowers. What happened? Did the Dolphins flip the switch and revert back to the “same old Dolphins” with reckless free agent spending?
No, they did not. And here’s why you shouldn’t be worried: it is not prohibitive to spend money — even when it involves massive contracts like the one given to Byron Jones. What is prohibitive is not having flexibility. And in the Dolphins’ distribution of the guaranteed dollars they’re handing out, the team will continue to have optimal flexibility moving forward. And, furthermore, by adding several key pieces to a roster that was largely devoid of competitive talent, the Dolphins have built themselves even more flexibility to continue to build through the NFL Draft. Miami does not necessarily need to walk into the 1st-round feeling the need that they must walk away with a pass rusher.
Is it imposing to see the Dolphins roll so much money out on day one of negotiations? Sure. But bear in mind the Dolphins’ active payroll for 2019 was marginal, at best. Miami’s cash commitments to payroll in 2019 were the lowest in the NFL by a long shot.
Miami’s active payroll at the end of the season was just $60M. The next lowest figure was the Washington Redskins, who sat at $78M. The Minnesota Vikings led the NFL in active payroll last season with a whopping $177M, nearly three times what Miami spent last year. So don’t worry about the dollars. Worry about the flexibility. And with none of Miami’s draft selections having gone up in smoke, this team will still have every chance to build through the draft.
The Dolphins are committing to spend to help provide the flexibility needed to make these picks count the most.
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