As of February 17, the Miami Dolphins’ available cap space number has not moved. Over the Cap lists the amount at negative $51.898 million, which ranks second worst in the NFL ahead of the New Orleans Saints.

Needless to say, the Dolphins must start shedding salary — and fast with the new league year approaching in March. uSTADIUM identified linebacker Jerome Baker as one potential “cut candidate” on February 14.

According to Over the Cap, Miami can save $11.053 million by designating Baker as a post-June 1 release. The front office can also clear $9.82 million and change by cutting him and his $37.5 million contract prior to June 1.

Either way, that’s a big number that Dolphins general manager Chris Grier must at least be considering at the moment — along with veterans like edge rusher Emmanuel Ogbah and cornerback Xavien Howard.

Sports Illustrated beat reporter Omar Kelly weighed the possibilities of Baker’s future for fans on January 22. “Release or restructure Jerome Baker?” Kelly debated.

“Baker’s in the same category as Howard,” he wrote. “The six-year starter is still a valuable leader, and an important contributor to Miami’s defense in 2023.”

Continuing: “The Dolphins have him under contract for $11.1 million, and get back $9.8 million if they release him outright. It’s possible that Baker, who contributed 72 tackles, 1.5 sacks and two interceptions in the 13 games he played in 2023, could re-sign for a deal comparable to the two-year, $10 million contract fellow inside linebacker David Long Jr. has, but Baker would probably prefer to test free agency for the first time before signing up for something like that.”

Kelly also noted that “complicating things might be his knee and wrist injury, which could impact him passing a physical in March.”