Miami Dolphins biggest problem is money

The Miami Dolphins are not a good football team. We know this. The record indicates it. Despite talent on offense it’s overrated. The biggest issue however is money.

All 32 teams must fall in line with the NFL’s salary cap. The 8-2 Saints and Patriots have the same cap that Miami does. The 9-1 Eagles do as well. So do the winless Cleveland Browns. For the Dolphins however it’s a matter of financial abuse that is killing the teams chances to improve.

Miami Dolphins owner loves to spend money and sometimes that is a really good thing. Ross has consistently spend close to the salary cap. This year the team is just under $1 million in remaining space. The problem isn’t spending the money it’s how they are spending the money.

The Dolphins made Ndamukong Suh the richest defensive tackle in the NFL a few years ago. His cap hits are in the $20 million range. This year if fell to $19 million but next season it jumps to $26 million. How many other players, say linebackers or offensive lineman could be on the roster for $26 million? Suh is a very good football player but is he $26 million good?

For those wondering, Miami would take a $22 million cap hit if they cut or traded him.

Ryan Tannehill signed an extension two years ago and his salary is also eating at the cap as well. In 2018 his cap hit will be $19.8 million. Miami could save all but $4.6 million if they cut him but then they would need to find another starting quarterback. Of course there is no guarantee that the running QB won’t get hurt again either.

It is understandable to a degree that Miami pays two of their top talents a lot of money. Quarterbacks are grossly overpaid even for average statistics and Suh was a brand name on the open market. While both players take up a lot of space the big overspending comes with the average players.

Forget Reshad Jones who earned his raise and instead turn your eyes downward a bit to some of the other players that simply make less sense.