Dolphins “Strongly” Considering Moving On From DT Ndamukong Suh

Jason La Canfora continues to hear that the Dolphins are “strongly” considering moving on from DT Ndamukong Suh.

There has been a lot of buzz about Suh possibly being released in the past few weeks:

• Dianna Russini of ESPN reported that while no decision has been made as of now, the Dolphins were discussing the possibility of releasing Suh.
• 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 Suh this offseason. A source told Jackson that while Miami didn’t portray releasing Suh as likely or unlikely, it’s still an option under consideration. The Dolphins are reportedly 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.
• 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.

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 and the Dolphins as the news is available.