NFL expected to raise salary cap in 2017
By Tyler Olson
The Miami Dolphins along with the rest of the NFL have more money coming their way in 2017.
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The news was first reported by Tom Pelissero of USA Today Sports Tuesday afternoon.
Source: NFL teams were informed today the per-team salary cap for 2017 is projected to be $166 million to $170M. Up from $155.27M this year.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 13, 2016
This is good news for Miami. With Ndamukong Suh, Ryan Tannehill, and Byron Maxwell all under big contracts through 2021, the Dolphins front office will need all they can get to keep current players in South Florida.
Jarvis Landry, for instance, is set for a pay day. Although the touchdown numbers aren’t there he’s proven to be a great NFL receiver. Now in his third season, 2017 is a contract year for him. Head coach Adam Gase will surely be pulling for him to stay in town, and Landry will want a deal done before next season starts. Landry has a base salary of $893,852 in 2017.
The Landry deal will only get done if the price is right, however. Landry’s current market value is at $12.1 million a year. He could be in line for a similar contract Mike Wallace signed in 2013.
Another receiver Miami will look to keep around is 2017 free agent Kenny Stills. In his 2nd season now with the Dolphins, Stills has become a key factor in the passing attack. Although his catch and yards numbers don’t match what he had in 2014 with the New Olreans Saints, Stills has still proven he’s worth a look. He currently has 34 catches for 598 yards. His six touchdowns is a previous career high from his rookie season in 2013 in which he had five.
Other players with contracts set to expire after 2016 include Jordan Cameron, Kiko Alonso, Jelani Jenkins, and Dion Sims.
It’s unlikely that Cameron stays in Miami. After a mediocre 2015 campaign, Cameron started 2016 by dropping passes before finding his way on the weekly injury report and ultimately to injured reserve. He’s only caught 43 balls and four touchdowns in 19 games for the Dolphins.
Alonso, I believe, deserves a contract extension. Although he, like Jordan, has a history of injuries he’s worth a lot to Miami. If Mike Hull can solidify his spot in the middle of Vance Josephs defense Alonso would make the move to weakside linebacker, his true position.
Jenkins and Sims have both been injured off and on since being drafted. If the price is right they should both stay.