Miami Dolphins: 10 Players Miami needs to drop after 2016 season

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Sep 25, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins cornerback Byron Maxwell (41) breaks up the pass intended for Cleveland Browns wide receiver Terrelle Pryor (11) during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Byron Maxwell

2017 salary

$8.5 million

If released

$3 million dead money

$5.5 million cap savings

There is no reason why the Dolphins should be entertaining any thoughts on keeping Byron Maxwell. None. Even if Maxwell turns his season around, he is simply too unreliable at this stage of his career to risk that much cap space on.

If the NFL CBA didn’t already mandated guaranteed salaries for veterans, Maxwell should have already been released. Maxwell has lost his starting job to the underperforming Tony Lippett.

Lippett however is in his 2nd season and the Dolphins are giving him the time he needs to mature and become an NFL quality corner back. He may or may not succeed but they are at least trying.

For Maxwell, there is simply too little to like. He is often beat before the play really begins and he can’t read receivers. When he is solid in his coverage he is flagged. The Eagles really got a a great deal in the trade of Maxwell. They were able to use the 8th overall pick to move up with the Browns and select a very promising rookie quarterback in Carson Wentz and got the Dolphins to eat his salary.

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