10 players the Dolphins must address this off-season
By Brian Miller
Dec 7, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins cornerback Brent Grimes (21) tackles Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Kamar Aiken (11) short of the end zone in the first half of a game at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports
Brent Grimes
$9.5 million cap hit
Grimes is unquestionably the best cornerback Miami has on the roster. His salary however is too high for the production that Grimes is starting to put on the field. At his best, Grimes is worth every penny but more and more Grimes is starting to show signs of age. His production this year has been inconsistent but he still is one of the best defenders on the team.
Grimes originally signed a one year deal with the Dolphins and exploded with a stellar season earning a new contract. The numbers on that deal are starting to come due.
Restructure or release?
To think the Dolphins may part with Grimes is hard to fathom. The Dolphins have no other corners ready to step up to a starting role and the Dolphins are already trying to find a suitable corner to start opposite him. If I’m the Dolphins I’m approaching him about a contract restructure that will benefit both the team and Grimes. While I can’t imagine releasing him outright, it might be something to consider if Grimes opts not to restructure and thus become a free agent.
For Grimes the latter won’t likely get him the same kind of deal. Grimes isn’t going to command a lot on the open market, at least not at the level he is scheduled to make this year. The Dolphins could use that to their advantage and guarantee a larger portion of his deal to keep him in Miami for another season or two. Releasing Grimes would save the Dolphins $6.5 million in 2016 but is there a starting caliber cornerback that is younger than Grimes and as proven for that price? Not likely.