Dolphins Restructure Deals to Create Cap Space

Team pushes cap charges into future years amid roster and financial challenges

Mar. 21, 2026 at 2:22pm

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The Miami Dolphins have restructured the contracts of running back De'Von Achane and center Aaron Brewer, converting portions of their 2026 salaries into signing bonuses to create more cap space for the current season. This move comes as the Dolphins face significant dead-money charges from previous roster decisions, putting them in the worst cap situation of all 32 NFL teams for 2026.

Why it matters

The Dolphins' cap management reflects the challenges the new regime faces in rebuilding the roster and finances. While the moves create short-term flexibility, they also push more costs into future years, potentially limiting the team's ability to make improvements in the near term.

The details

The Dolphins converted $3.6 million of Achane's $5.7 million salary into a signing bonus, spreading the cap hit over four void years. They also turned $5.25 million of Brewer's contract into a signing bonus, creating $4.2 million in cap space for 2026. These moves come as the team faces $99.2 million in dead-money charges over the next two years from the release of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, as well as the recent trade of receiver Jaylen Waddle.

  • The Dolphins restructured the deals in March 2026.

The players

De'Von Achane

A running back for the Miami Dolphins who is in the final year of his rookie contract.

Aaron Brewer

The center for the Miami Dolphins who had his contract restructured.

Tua Tagovailoa

The former quarterback of the Miami Dolphins who was released, resulting in significant dead-money charges for the team.

Jaylen Waddle

The wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins who was recently traded, triggering the acceleration of his prorated guaranteed payments.

Jon-Eric Sullivan

The general manager of the Miami Dolphins.

Jeff Hafley

The head coach of the Miami Dolphins.

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What they’re saying

“The only good news is that these dynamics push the bar even lower for the Dolphins in 2026. Neither G.M. Jon-Eric Sullivan nor coach Jeff Hafley will be facing serious scrutiny regarding the performance of the team until 2027.”

— Mike Florio, Author

What’s next

The Dolphins will continue to navigate their challenging cap situation as they look to rebuild the roster and position the team for long-term success.

The takeaway

The Dolphins' cap management moves highlight the difficult financial constraints the new regime faces as they work to turn around the team. While the restructures provide short-term relief, they also push more costs into the future, potentially limiting the team's ability to make significant improvements in the near term.