Three Dolphins who may not be back in 2023

Miami has $22,804,155 in effective cap space, per OverTheCap.com, and the seventh-least effective cap space in the NFL. The Dolphins have much of their roster set for the long term, especially after acquiring and extending WR Tyreek Hill and OLB Bradley Chubb. But Miami could pare these players from the roster. 

Byron Jones, CB

Jones had ankle surgery last March but unexpectedly did not play in 2022, spending the season on the physically unable to perform list. 

Jones, who turns 31 in September, hasn't played as well as the Dolphins had hoped when they signed him in 2020 to the NFL's highest cornerback contract at the time. Jones was a second-team All-Pro with the Cowboys in 2018, but allowed well-above average passer ratings of 108 and 100.6 in 2020 and 2021 with the Dolphins.  

Jones' cap number is over $18 million in both 2023 and 2024. 

Jones is an obvious post-June 1 cut. If the Dolphins wait until then, they'll save $13.6 million against the cap and $14,025,000 the following year, per OverTheCap.com.

Miami needs this cap relief for 2023 and beyond. 

Cethan Carter, TE

In 2022, Durham Smythe proved himself as the in-line blocking tight end Mike McDaniel's offense requires, making Carter almost irrelevant.  

Carter was an undrafted tight end who signed with the Bengals in 2017. He signed with the Dolphins in 2021, catching two passes and playing 268 special teams snaps that season. 

Carter, placed on IR in October, played five snaps in 2022. He has a $2,320,000 cap number in 2023 but does not have any guaranteed salary. Carter signed that contract in 2021, before McDaniel changed the offense. 

Emmanuel Ogbah, DE 

Miami signed Ogbah to a lucrative extension last offseason, after tallying 18 sacks and 45 QB hits in two seasons with the team. 

In 2022, Ogbah had one sack in nine games before ending the year on IR. Since then, the Dolphins traded for and extended Chubb. 

Ogbah is virtually uncuttable, but the Dolphins can save $11,185,294 against the cap if they trade him before June 1. They could save even more if they wait until after June 1.

Trading Ogbah, who turns 30 in November, may be difficult given the finances, injury history and age. He's more likely back in South Beach in 2023 — although that's not guaranteed.