While there was previously some optimism that the Dolphins and Cameron Wake would come to an agreement on an extension, it appears that those talks are currently at a standstill. Armando Salguero of The Miami Herald writes that the two sides are “not on same page” over a new contract, noting that the “discussions have not gone well.”
There’s an apparent disconnect on the intent of the proposed contract extension. The Dolphins were hoping to reduce Wake’s $9.8MM cap figure for 2016, while the defensive end assumed that any extension would ultimately result in more guaranteed money. This “divide” between the two sides is still significant, according to Salguero. Since the negotiations aren’t progressing, the two parties are prepared to enter next season with Wake’s current contract.
The 34-year-old is entering the final year of the four-year, $49MM contract he signed in 2012. There’s no certainty that Wake will return when his contract expires, and Saguero notes that the team could opt to cut or trade the four-time Pro Bowler. This wouldn’t necessarily be a bad route for Wake, as writers have previously pondered whether he’d earn more than his $8.4MM base salary on the open market.
Wake appeared in only seven games last season, compiling nine tackles, seven sacks, and four forced fumbles.
I don’t know that he would make more than $8.4MM on the open market given his age, but he certainly wouldn’t make much less. And he has more than enough leverage to ask for more guaranteed money in an extension, rather than simply agreeing to a restructure or pay cut.