Dolphins to release starting LB

As they continue to move toward cap compliance, the Dolphins will move on from a starter in the linebacking corps. Jerome Baker is being let go, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. 

Schefter notes the sides attempted to work out a restructure to lower Baker’s cap hit (slated for $14.79M). No agreement could be reached, however, and he can now hit free agency. Despite that, Schefter adds Miami is open to Baker returning at a lesser price.

The six-year veteran has spent his entire career in South Beach, starting 82 of 94 games. He has remained a highly important member of the team’s defense during that stretch, but moving on will yield notable financial benefits. Miami will save $9.82M in 2024 cap space while creating a dead money charge of just $4.97M. As one of the teams with work to do to get under the cap ceiling by next week, those funds will be welcomed.

However, if a reunion cannot be worked out, the Dolphins will have a notable hole to fill at the LB spot moving forward. Fellow starter David Long is in place for one more season (although with no guaranteed salary owed, he too could be a candidate for a cost-saving move). Baker has posted 100 or more tackles thrice in his career and added 22.5 sacks along the way. Replacing that production on the free-agent market or in the draft will be difficult.

Miami ranked seventh against the run in 2023, although Baker has not drawn rave PFF reviews for his work in that department for much of his career. On the other hand, he has received better evaluations for his efforts in a pass-rush capacity and his performance in coverage. Entering his age-27 season, Baker should be able to garner a market for his services if he elects to head elsewhere for the first time in his career.

The Dolphins sat roughly $28M over the cap after the expected release of cornerback Keion Crossen. Further savings will be seen at the start of the new league year when Xavien Howard is let go, and like in Baker’s case, the team is open to a reunion on that front. More financial work is still to come, though, and in any case, Miami’s defense will likely feature several new faces in 2024.