When must Dolphins decide on 5th-year option for Charles Harris?

When must Dolphins decide on 5th-year option for Charles Harris?

Looking over the resume of Miami Dolphins general manager Chris Grier, there’s one early NFL Draft selection that sticks out like a sore thumb. Sure, former 1st-round picks Laremy Tunsil and Minkah Fitzpatrick are no longer on the team, but they are inherently good football players and Grier was able to get plus value for each of them on the way out.

With TE Mike Gesicki looking promising and CB Xavien Howard a true difference maker when healthy, defensive end Charles Harris is the lone sore spot among Miami’s early selections. Harris has had three seasons worth of opportunity on a pass rush hungry team to make an impact and, simply put, he hasn’t gotten the job done.

With just three and a half sacks over his first three seasons, Harris has all the makings of a flopped pick — and might not even be on the roster in 2020 if the Dolphins can secure enough upgrades at the position.

But before that decision comes, the Dolphins must formally decide what they’d like to do with his 5th-year option. All 1st-round picks have a 5th year built into their rookie contracts. The Dolphins will have until May 3rd to decide what they’d like to do with that 5th year for Harris.

This decision feels about as straight forward as they come, doesn’t it? The Dolphins need to decline Harris’ 5th-year option and forge forward. And, if the numbers don’t add up, the team can cut Harris before the beginning of the season and know full well that the former 2017 1st-round pick was given every opportunity to succeed here in Miami. Between two head coaches and no shortage of players who lapped him on the depth chart, Harris is just about out of chances. And as such, there’s no need to extend him for a fifth season of shortcomings in 2021.

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