Dolphins Discussing Possibility Of Releasing DT Ndamukong Suh

Update:

Dianna Russini of ESPN reports that while no decision has been made as of now, the Dolphins are discussing the possibility of releasing DT Ndamukong Suh.

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Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald mentioned that one NFL official who spoke to the Dolphins said they didn’t rule out the possibility of releasing DT Ndamukong Suh this offseason.

A source tells Jackson that while Miami didn’t portray releasing Suh as likely or unlikely, it’s still an option under consideration.

According to Jackson, the Dolphins are trying to determine whether to restructure Suh’s contract or releasing him outright would be the better option for them. Jackson adds that the least appealing option for Miami right now is to simply do nothing and keep his cap figure at $26.1 million.

A few weeks ago, Armando Salguero reported that the Dolphins haven’t dismissed the possibility of trading DT Suh or designating him as a post-June 1 release this offseason.

Of the two, Salguero says that making Suh post-June 1 cut is the more likely options should they determine that moving on from him is best for their plans moving forward.

Salguero points out that Suh is scheduled to count $26.1 million against the Dolphins salary cap in 2018, which is not only the most on the team, but the most for any defensive player in the NFL and third overall behind only Jimmy Garoppolo and Matthew Stafford.

Beyond that, Salguero mentions that Suh’s production does not match this figure, even though he has been a solid player for them since arriving in Miami.

Reports from last year said it was something to watch this offseason and Jason La Canfora mentioned last week that confidants of Dolphins owner Stephen Ross told him during the 2017 season that Ross was ready to move on from Suh.

If Miami designates Suh as a post-June 1 cut in 2018, they would save $17M in cash and $17M in cap space. The downside is that this would trigger a $13M dead-cap hit in 2019.

Suh, 31, is a former first-round pick of the Lions back in 2010. He spent five years in Detroit before signing a six-year, $114 million contract that included $60 million guaranteed with the Dolphins back in March.

Suh stands to make base salaries of $16.985 million (2018), $18.985 million (2019), and $18.36 million (2020) over the remainder of the contract.

In 2017, Suh appeared in all 16 games for the Dolphins and recorded 48 tackles, 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and two pass defenses. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 5 interior defender out of 122 qualifying players.

We’ll have more regarding Suh as the news is available.