On first glance, it looks like the Miami Dolphins are tanking. However, their latest decision might state otherwise.
Instead of trading star RB De’Von Achane, adding more draft capital, and just taking as much dead money as possible this year, they’re pushing money into the future.
According to Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald, the Dolphins just restructured Achane’s and C Aaron Brewer’s contracts to help mitigate the dead cap hit from the Jaylen Waddle trade:
“Per source, the Dolphins simultaneously executed simple cap restructures with Brewer and Achane,” Jackson shared on X. “The moves have no impact on the Dolphins’ ability to extend them long-term. The Dolphins currently have $2 M in cap space. (A lot more will arrive June 2, with Chubb previously designated as a post-June 1 cut.) Now their focus turns to the draft; the Dolphins have 11 picks — including 7 of the top 94.”
The Dolphins have now added four void years to the final year of Achane’s contract, paving the way for a very lucrative contract extension.
Multiple teams would’ve been interested in Achane if he were to be available for a trade. He’s entering the final year of his contract, and as one of the most explosive dual-threat running backs in the game, he’d elevate every offense.
However, Jeff Hafley’s team wants to keep the speedy playmaker next to new quarterback Malik Willis. They’ve reportedly let other teams know that Achane isn’t available for trade, at least for the moment.
The Dolphins have moved on from Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Bradley Chubb, and Waddle, so it’s hard to believe they will be in the playoff picture in the next year or two.
That said, they’re approaching their finances as a team that will make a splash at some point. Otherwise, pushing money into the future makes little to no financial sense.