The Miami Dolphins rightly fancy themselves offseason winners after signing defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh in free agency. Rarely does a game-changing talent such as Suh hit the open market. The 2010 No. 2 overall pick anchored the best run defense in the league last year (69.3 yards allowed per game) while notching 8.5 sacks. His ability to both rush the passer and play staunch run defense is unparalleled in the NFL. A defensive line that features Suh and Cameron Wake will be a nightmare for opposing offenses in 2015.
But Suh's mammoth six-year, $114.37 million dollar contract ($59.95 guaranteed) doesn't come without a few drawbacks.
"2016 cap questions start with Suh: No team has more money committed to its 2016 salary cap than the Dolphins, who have already tallied up to roughly $160 million for next season," ESPN NFL Insider Field Yates wrote. "That excludes a contract for defensive end Olivier Vernon, a rising star on their defense. The likely scenario is reworking the deal for defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh that calls for a base salary of $23.485 million by turning it into a signing bonus (which would spread out his cap hit that is currently set for $28.6 million). But the team can't set itself up for a cycle of kicking the can on onerous contracts for short-term relief that eventually results in long-term woes."
The signing of Suh was a fantastic football move, but the fact that they may have to rework his deal after just one year is concerning. The salary cap is expected to rise from $143.28 million this year to as much as $160 million in 2016, which helps mitigate the financial hit somewhat. But as Yates noted, Vernon will be in line for a lucrative extension. Vernon, 24, recorded 46 tackles with 6.5 sacks and two forced fumbles last year. The Dolphins will have to free up some money if they hope to retain him and other young players with promise such as Kenny Stills (free agent in 2017) and Lamar Miller (free agent in 2016).
