Let's examine the highest-paid Miami Dolphins in 2024
As good as Tyreek Hill is, the Dolphins can't have him on the books at a salary of $31.3 million for 2024.
That's why it's likely Hill's contract will be restructured, allowing Miami to spread out some of that salary over future years.
As good as Jalen Ramsey and Bradley Chubb are, the Dolphins probably can't have them on the books at salaries of $27.3 million and $26.8 million.
That's why it's likely their contracts will be restructured, too.
Miami's best players are ranked No. 1, 6 and 4 at their position in average annual salary, according to Spotrac.
And deservedly so.
Even though the NFL has announced a very big jump from $224.8 million per team for 2023 to $255.4 million per team for 2024, Miami has work to be done.
The first move? It’s cutting veteran pass rusher Emmanuel Ogbah, as a league source confirmed Friday.
Ogbah, 30, had 24.5 sacks for Miami in four seasons. But his role became limited last season.
And even though edge rushers Jaelan Phillips (Achilles) and Chubb (knee) are rehabbing from serious injuries, Ogbah was deemed expendable.
Ogbah had a projected $17.7 million cap hit. But the cut will save Miami $13.7 million.
The Dolphins are also moving on from cornerback Xavien Howard ($25.9 million in 2024).
It’s hard to say if Miami can roll with second-year cornerback Cam Smith opposite star Jalen Ramsey.
Look for the Dolphins to add at least one veteran corner to compete for the position in free agency.
The Dolphins can actually lower the salary cap cost of Tua Tagovailoa ($23.2 million) with a long-term extension.
The Dolphins would be better off in 2024 by agreeing to a long-term contract with pending free agent Christian Wilkins as opposed to franchise-tagging him.
But they may need to tag Wilkins if he insists on a deal worth, say, $23 million or more. The tag would carry a hit of about $20.9 million.
Last season, Miami received excellent value from the amount of money they spent at quarterback (16th most, NFL) and offensive line (18th most).
But now the bill comes due as Tagovailoa will soon need a new deal and Connor Williams and Robert Hunt are pending free agents.
If Miami does not re-sign them, they'll need to sign replacements.
Last season, Miami did not always receive the best value from the money they spent at linebacker (sixth most, NFL) and the secondary (12th most).
Is it possible Miami restructures or even releases Jerome Baker ($14.8 million cap hit)? The Dolphins need to spend more here this offseason, with Chubb and Phillips returning from serious injuries.
Figuring out how to best manage the salary cap in 2024-26, which should be a Dolphins championship "window" won't be easy for general manager Chris Grier and Miami's cap expert, Brandon Shore.
They believe it can be done.
But there are always tough decisions to be made as young stars like Phillips, Jaylen Waddle and Jevon Holland come due for new deals.
One thing Miami has done fairly well in recent years is limit dead cap hits.
Entering Friday, only Byron Jones ($10 million, medical issues) had a dead cap of more than $2.5 million for Miami.
Here are Miami's most expensive contracts for next season:
Miami Dolphins' top 10 salary cap hits for 2024
Tyreek Hill, WR - $31.3 million
Jalen Ramsey, CB - $27.3 million
Bradley Chubb, Edge - $26.8 million
Xavien Howard, CB - $25.9 million (UPDATE: Dolphins releasing Howard)
Tua Tagovailoa, QB - $23.2 million
Terron Armstead, LT - $20.8 million
Emmanuel Ogbah, Edge - $17.8 million (UPDATE: Dolphins releasing Ogbah)
Jerome Baker, LB - $14.9 million
Zach Sieler, DL - $10.7 million
Jaylen Waddle, WR - $8.6 million
Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Tyreek Hill, Jalen Ramsey atop Miami Dolphins top 10 salary cap hits
