5 changes the Dolphins must make ahead of 2018

The Miami Dolphins can save just over $15 million in cap space by releasing or trading quarterback Ryan Tannehill. They will eat over $4 million if they do. Is that an option? Of course it is.

Dolphins fans are coming out of the woodwork to express how much they miss Ryan Tannehill but give it a couple of games in 2018 and they might be begging for Cutler again. No I am just kidding, sort of.

The biggest reality factor is Tannehill’s knee issues. There are no guarantees that either A; Tannehill re-injures the knee or B; Tannehill is never the same mobile type quarterback. Either one ends any future with the team. Tannehill needs to be the Tannehill of last season, better than last season. And he needs to stay healthy.

Here is where it gets far more interesting and makes the most sense. Miami is likely going to be in position to draft a top QB prospect in the 2018 draft and they should. Tannehill has far too many hang-ups and unknowns right not risk the future for Adam Gase and this team. Here are the options for the Dolphins and Tannehill and what I think makes the most sense.

Restructure – This is a smart idea if Miami wants to reduce the almost $20 million cap hit that Tannehill will come with but a restructure also is a commitment to having him around longer. It reduces the up front cap number but it moves it to another year or two. In other words, Miami really is just moving money around and with Tannehill’s knee concerns that isn’t smart.

Trade him – There would be a market for Tannehill but anyone who thinks they will get a first round pick for a player coming off an ACL injury and hasn’t emerged as a legit franchise quarterback is delusional. Teams will pay for players like Jimmy Garroppolo and Nick Foles so there is a market for a team who believes that experienced youth is still of value. Chalk this up to unlikely.

Draft his replacement – As I said the Dolphins will or should be in a position to draft a top quarterback prospect this year. If they like one then Adam Gase needs to jump on that opportunity. Tannehill’s contract for one more year allows him to showcase his talent to other prospective teams. In 2019 releasing or trading Tannehill would save the Dolphins more than $18 million while only leaving just over $2 million in dead space. In 2019 that rookie QB should be ready to hit the field and if Tannehill struggles in 2018, you put in the rookie.

This scenario makes the most sense as it secures a starting quarterback for the future, saves money in 2019, and gives the Dolphins some protection should Tannehill get injured again.