Dolphins free more cap space by adjusting contracts of Byron Jones, Clayton Fejedelem
The Dolphins have taken on more cap-relief measures by adjusting the contracts of cornerback Byron Jones and safety Clayton Fejedelem, ESPN reported Friday.
According to the report, the team converted $13 million of Jones’ base salary into a signing bonus, creating $10 million of cap space in 2022. The team also freed $750,000 by reworking Fejedelem’s contract. The moves provide more breathing room for the Dolphins, who entered Friday $7 million over the cap, according to the National Football League Players Association’s salary cap report. The Dolphins found themselves in need of making such moves after signing left tackle Terron Armstead to a five-year, $75 million deal and making Tyreek Hill, acquired in a trade from the Kansas City Chiefs, the highest-paid receiver in NFL history with a four-year, $120 million extension.
There were rumors at the onset of free agency that the Dolphins could be looking to trade Jones but that became a moot point when it was disclosed Jones underwent offseason surgery for his Achilles, which guaranteed his 2022 base salary. Jones is expected to be ready for the start of training camp.
The Dolphins could have saved close to $3 million by releasing Fejedelem but the team has opted to retain a key special teams player for the time being.
These latest cost-saving moves follow the team releasing offensive lineman Jesse Davis and wide receiver Allen Hurns with a failed physical, which saved about $6 million.
More moves such as these could be on the way, with the Dolphins still needing to keep money available to fill out the rest of the roster and sign their draft class, where they are set to have five selections in the 2022 NFL Draft.
The Dolphins are expected to revisit cornerback Xavien Howard’s contract this offseason and a restructured deal could create more cap space in the immediate future.
Players such as safety Eric Rowe, defensive lineman Adam Butler, tight end Cethan Carter and wide receiver DeVante Parker can also be released or traded for cap savings with little to no dead money.
Notes
- Running back Salvon Ahmed signed his exclusive rights tender, according to the NFL transaction wire. The tender is a one-year deal worth the veteran minimum.
This story was originally published March 25, 2022 at 10:44 AM.
