10 players the Dolphins must address this off-season
By Brian Miller
Oct 18, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive end Cameron Wake (91) celebrates as he leaves the field after his team defeated the Tennessee Titans during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Miami won 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Cameron Wake
$9.8 million cap number
Wake is on the other side of 30 and is starting to break down. Earlier this season Wake dealt with hamstring issues, then he tore his Achille’s. While it’s unrelated there is a concern over his health from year to year now. It’s something that can not be discounted. If the Dolphins release or trade Wake they will save over $8 million on the salary cap and carry less than $2 million in dead money.
When healthy Wake can change a game but he has become a one-dimensional player. His biggest contribution to the team comes in passing situations and he struggles to maintain the edge in run defense. Wake is also a fan favorite and it’s hard to let players go when they bring fans into the stadium.
Restructure or release?
The Dolphins would be very wise to approach Wake about a restructure to his contract that will drive that cap number down without hurting the team in future years. If he agrees the Dolphins will likely have him for another year or two. If he does not want to restructure, then it’s time for the Dolphins to let him go. Despite what Wake has done for this team and what he means as a leader, the Dolphins can ill afford to spend upwards of $9 million for a player who may not make it through the entire season and when compared to his on-field production predictions may not warrant that kind of money.
Next: Number 6