Lawrence Timmons’ 2018 guaranteed money voided due to suspension

Lawrence Timmons’ future as a Miami Dolphin is looking far less certain than anyone would have expected just a few weeks ago.

According to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald, Timmons’ suspension, a punishment imposed by the Dolphins due to the linebacker’s decision to not show up for Miami’s season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers, has voided the guaranteed portion of his contract for the 2018 season. This development leaves the veteran’s status with the team following the end of this season very much in doubt. Should Timmons not perform up to standards, or should his personal issues impede his ability to contribute to this team, the coaching staff and personnel department could rid themselves of his contract without much financial backlash.

Back in March, the Dolphins signed the once ultra-reliable linebacker to a two-year $12 million contract with a whopping $11 million in guarantees. $5.5 million of those guarantees were paid in signing bonuses that are prorated, meaning the team’s cap gets hit by half of those signing bonuses in each year of his contract. In addition, Timmons’ contract is carrying $5.45 million in base salary for the 2018 season, $4.5 million of which was previously guaranteed. With those guarantees now voided, the Dolphins will have opportunity to cut bait with their recently acquired linebacker for a cost of just $2.75 million in dead cap.

Timmons is expected to make his regular season debut in London this weekend when the Dolphins take on the New Orleans Saints. That game airs on Sunday at 9:30 AM ET on FOX.