Controversial Dolphins roster move positions them to make big moves

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Damian Parson | Last updated 2/23/24

The Miami Dolphins are in money-saving mode today. They have already released edge/linebacker Emmanuel Ogbah to save close to 14 million towards their cap. Now they have added another big-name defender to the pile.

Per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, Xavien Howard is the next Dolphins' cap casualty to bite the dust. The Dolphins continue to find ways to chip away at their 25-plus million salary tab. There is still a way to go before they are underneath and in the positive.

The #Dolphins have informed CB Xavien Howard he will be released at the start of the league year, sources tell me and @PSchrags. The four-time Pro Bowl selection is expected to have significant interest on the market.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) February 23, 2024

Releasing Xavien Howard saves but costs the Dolphins

The idea behind releasing players with high salaries is the benefit of recouping money. Well, in this instance the Dolphins will recoup or save 18 million towards their cap but it will not be available until after June 1st, 2024. This is good news, right? Well, kind of. With this transaction, the Dolphins will acquire 23.1 million in dead cap over the next two seasons.

Miami is likely to release Xavien Howard as a post-June 1 cut.

Miami will take on $7.4M in dead money in 2024 and $15.7M in 2025. They will get $18M in cap savings, but that will only come after June 1st. https://t.co/8cVntLS8gu
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 23, 2024

Howard has been a Dolphin for his entire career until now. He has played great and came away with 29 interceptions during his stint in South Beach. When the Jalen Ramsey trade was completed, most felt like this was going to be a great pairing for the next few seasons. That dream has ended prematurely. The Dolphins are sitting over the cap at 26 million, after two big releases to start their offseason. More moves are bound to happen as they continue to trim the fat.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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