Dolphins Restructured Achane and Brewer in Order to Trade Waddle
For the Miami Dolphins to trade Jaylen Waddle this week, they had to eat a substantial portion of dead cap and also lose cap space in the process due to how Waddle’s contract was structured. So, to trade him, they had to create cap space to execute the trade.
For the past day or so, many in the media and many Dolphins fans were wondering what Miami did to create the cap space.
Well, we now have an answer.
Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports that the Dolphins executed a simple cap restructure for both Aaron Brewer and De’Von Achane to create the cap space.
Jackson points out that neither restructuring affects Miami’s ability to give both players contract extensions later this spring or summer.
It is expected that Miami will look to extend both Brewer and Achane this summer, as it will now turn its focus to the NFL Draft over the next month.
Jackson also reports that as of today, Miami has roughly $2 million in salary cap space.
The Dolphins will have to get over $20 million in salary cap space come June 2nd when Bradley Chubb‘s Post-June 1st release kicks in, and that should give Miami money to sign their rookies from the draft, and also have money to sign any free agents before or during camp prior to the 2026 season.
The mystery of how the Dolphins created cap space to execute the Waddle trade has been solved. Per source, the Dolphins simultaneously executed simple cap restructures with Brewer and Achane. The moves have no impact on the Dolphins’ ability to extend them long-term. The Dolphins…
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) March 20, 2026
De’Von Achane was voted to his first Pro Bowl this past season, where he had a career year in production.
Achane ran for 1,350 yards in 16 games and had eight rushing touchdowns. He also led the NFL, averaging 5.7 YPC this past season.
He also had 67 receptions for 488 yards and four receiving touchdowns, cementing himself as Miami’s best offensive player in 2025.
Many expect Achane to sign a contract similar to what James Cook got in Buffalo last offseason, in the neighborhood of four years for $48 million with $30 million guaranteed.
It is expected that if Achane doesn’t get a contract extension before training camp, he will hold out all of training camp via a “sit-in” (where he shows up but doesn’t participate in any drills to avoid being fined).
Aaron Brewer was Miami’s best offensive lineman in 2025 and was voted 2nd team All-Pro.
This past season, he was called for 3 holding penalties and 2 false starts, which is down from his 2024 season, when he had 5 holding penalties and only 1 false start.
In his two seasons in Miami, he has only missed one game, and he is the anchor of the Dolphins’ offensive line and a key piece they cannot lose after this season.
