A complicated 2025 awaits the Dolphins. On the one hand, the Miami franchise will have to juggle to meet the NFL’s salary cap and on the other hand, wait for the decision of one of its best defenses that shuffle the possibility of retirement.
Because of the commitments made last summer, the Dolphins are $12 million above the salary cap for the next campaign. Tua Tagovailoa received a four-year contract extension and $212.4 million.
The quarterback has a $25 million salary base in 2025 and the board will have to find it formula to defer that figure and open space to acquire reinforcements.
Also Read: Inter Miami shows its pride and wins its first try against the powerful America by coming from behind. What did Messi do?
There are also possibilities to make adjustments by releasing, for example, Tyreek Hill, who announced that he wants to leave the team and his departure would save $27.7 million.
Other options for the Dolphins on the deck would be to cut Alec Ingold ($4.9 million), Durham Smythe ($4.8 million), Raheem Mostert ($3.9 million), and Jake Bailey ($2.25 million).
The contracts of Bradley Chubb, Austin Jackson, Zach Sieler, and Terron Armstead can also be restructured.
The Miami team needs money available not only for free agency but also for the draft.
The return of Campbell
At 38 years old and 17 notable seasons in the NFL, Calais Campbell’s future is unknown.
After the Dolphins’ rollercoaster campaign, the defensive tackle announced he would consult with his family if he should return to the courts in 2025.
Two currents cross the desire to share more time with his family and, on the other hand, the illusion of going far in the playoffs and perhaps winning the Super Bowl.
None of that got Campbell in 2024 with the Dolphins, who finished the season with a defeat against the New York Jets and an 8-9 mark.
Campbell’s trajectory, however, is exemplary. He won the Walter Payton Men of the Year Award for the NFL, which rewards philanthropic work, community impact, and excellence on the court.
Campbell donated $1.5 million to his alma mater, the University of Miami, where he graduated in psychology, to encourage player training. On the court, he was selected six times to the NFL (Pro Bowl) Star Game.
Campbell’s contribution to football and community is so laudable that the NFL dedicated its Man of Steel program to him, which will be broadcast on Wednesday, January 22 (11 p.m. ET) by FS1.
In particular, it is not known whether the defensive tackle will continue in the battle on the courts. According to his own confession, that decision is not just up to him.
“The first step is to know how my body recovers,” Campbell said on January 5 after the fall against the Jets.
Then you have to consider the family. The boys grow up and this sport demands a lot of sacrifices.
Campbell added that he will hold various conversations with his family. From the Dolphins’ point of view, there is great interest in retaining him. Its value is double because its performance on the court is of a high level and its impact on the group is invaluable.
Miami club general manager Chris Grier doesn’t lose hope Campbell will return to the team in 2025.
Coach Mike McDaniel and I have had separate conversations with Calais, revealed on 7 January on his closing season balance.
Has his contribution been incredible as a human being and for his longevity on the court? He told us that if he decides to continue he will be with us and in that case we will receive him with open arms.
When the Dolphins’ offense did not respond due to Tua’s absence due to a concussion and hip injury, the defensive pulled her face out for the team and kept him in the games even though the attack did not put numbers on the board.
Calais is very generous to his companions, he always teaches them and passes their knowledge,” Grier said. His personality, enthusiasm, and professionalism are contagious and stimulate the group.
Campbell’s durability is striking. Next, on September 1, he will turn 39, but his innate strength and discipline allow him to go out angry in a brutal sport.
In the last two years, I was surprised to feel very well physically, he confessed to the defensive tackle.
When the Super Bowl passes and March arrives strangely I feel very good and then I feel like going to the gym.
Precisely in March, free agency will open in the NFL and there will be known if the Dolphins will have Campbell.
