5 changes the Dolphins must make ahead of 2018

Cameron Wake is not a problem for the Dolphins but 2018 will be his last under contract and he will come in at a very reasonable $8 million and change. Wake is now in his mid-30’s and his shelf life is a short one. But he has value.

Trade – Trading Wake is a possibility. Miami should be able to get a third round pick for the tough DE and there would be teams calling if he were on the block. Wake is a young mid-30 player and he has not shown any signs of slowing down which makes him a draw to other teams. His contract is workable and he would likely get an extension for more money elsewhere.

Cut – Releasing Wake would save all but $500,000 of his contract but Miami can’t really afford the anger from its fan base. Wake is an incredibly popular player in Miami and cutting him now would not sit well with fans. Especially if he ended up in New England.

Restructure – This makes the most sense for the Dolphins and for Wake. Miami reworked his contract two years ago and Wake made more money by agreeing to it. He won’t take a pay cut so the Dolphins shouldn’t ask but they can do a similar deal that pays him more guaranteed money with a lesser cap hit. This would be the route I believe Miami will go.