PhinSLIDER show notes: Instant reaction to the Dolphins releasing Kyle Van Noy

PhinSlider show notes for March 2, 2021.

The Miami Dolphins saved roughly $10 million by cutting Van Noy.

• Will this be used to upgrade the linebacker group?
• Jerome Baker has one year left on his deal.
• The move pushes Miami’s available cap space to roughly $38 million in a year the cap space will likely be $20 million lower than usual.

He was a captain every week, very well spoken and we wish nothing but the best for him.

• Played 84 percent of snaps in his 14 games last season.
• Battled through a hip injury, even spent a night in the hospital following a game.
• Was the second oldest player on the team last season behind Ryan Fitzpatrick.
• Right now, Jesse Davis is the oldest member of the Miami Dolphins.

At first, this move looks like the “same ol Dolphins,” with cutting big contracts.

• Van Noy signed a four-year $50 million contract with $30 million guaranteed.
• $15 million was a signing bonus and the other $15 million was only guaranteed if Van Noy suffered an injury.
• Turned into a one-year deal worth $15 million.
• Four-year deals should start to be viewed as two-year deals and in this case a one-year deal, with the ability to escape contracts early.

The big question: Where is the money going to be used?

• Upgrading the defense, specifically at linebacker?
• They’ve tried to sign Jadeveon Clowney twice, will the third-time be the charm?
• It could help the team upgrade the offense with players like Aaron Jones, Marvin Jones, or Allen Robinson.