The Miami Dolphins showed signs of life in 2014 making their offseason moves very important if they intend to keep the franchise trending upwards. Over the past few seasons, the Dolphins have spent big on flashy names which is starting to pay off, but could hurt future moves. Now the Dolphins could be forced to trim their pay roll as they currently sit $2.5 million over the salary cap heading into the offseason. Trimming could cost the team as big names like Mike Wallace and Knowshon Moreno understand their futures are in question.
According to Phinphanatic.com, the Dolphins will not be spending the offseason thanks to several contracts weighing heavily on their salary cap. Wallace is a $12 million hit. Brent Grimes comes in at $10 million. Dannel Ellerbe and Cameron Wake will count over $9 million while five other players come in over $6 million. This is forcing the Dolphins to truly evaluate the roster and determine who is worth keeping around and who will be sent packing.
Wallace was the big free agency signing two seasons ago, but quiet numbers could force him out. Rookie Jarvis Landry along with franchise favorites in Brian Hartline and Brandon Gibson all look poised to stay. Wallace has stirred the pot in his tenure with Miami and admits that his time could be coming to an end thanks to his contract.
"I'm not the general manager or anything, or the head coach," Wallace said, via the Miami Sun Sentinel. "I'm not sure. Nothing has changed right now. I haven't spent one second thinking about 2015 yet."
The same can be said for Moreno whose contract expires this year. The running back spent a majority of this season injured which is sure to hurt his status in the upcoming season. Yes, Moreno is a versatile back, but injuries have been an issue causing him to likely not return. Lamar Miller will return, but if Moreno wants back in South Beach then a pay cut will be necessary.
The Sun-Sentinel reports that players like Ellerbe and Philip Wheeler are two players that might be key drops for the salary cap. Both are high-paid players, but replaceable. Team sources also believe that the Dolphins could favor keeping Wallace around, but releasing both Hartline and Gibson. Ryan Tannehill showed signs of improving this year so the Dolphins will make it a priority to keep players around him that help with success.