The Dolphins enjoyed considerable production from their top receiver duo of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle last season, but no other pass-catchers made nearly as large of a contribution as those two. Miami’s group of secondary receivers includes Cedrick Wilson, but that may not be the case for long. 
The Dolphins are open to trading Wilson, reports Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. Such a move would yield a notable financial benefit, regardless of when it took place. Dealing the 27-year-old before June 1 would result in $7MM in cap savings, while doing so after that date would save $6MM. Wilson is set to count $8MM against the cap in 2023, the second year of the contract he signed last offseason to head to South Beach.
That $22.8MM pact came after the former sixth-rounder comfortably set new career-highs across the board in his final campaign with the Cowboys. Wilson recorded 602 yards and six touchdowns on 45 receptions in 2021, proving himself to be a valuable contributor in Dallas’ high-volume passing attack. That elevated expectations for him upon arrival in Miami, even with the team’s blockbuster trade to acquire Hill.
However, Wilson had his least productive season since 2019, totaling only 12 catches and 136 scoreless yards. His playing time took a significant step back compared to the year before, seeing the field for only 26% of offensive snaps. That made the Boise State alum one of several complimentary wideouts to put up underwhelming numbers behind the massive production (3,066 combined yards) of Hill and Waddle. The Dolphins’ next-leading receiver was Trent Sherfield, who posted 417 yards.
Despite the cap savings a trade would yield, Jackson adds that the Dolphins are also open to retaining Wilson. Miami currently has less than $2MM in cap space, putting them 31st in the league in that regard. A release in this case would result in considerable dead money, so that avenue is not an expected outcome. A rebound on Wilson’s part in 2023 could make it worthwhile to hold on to him, though the Dolphins have replacement options such as recent signing Braxton Berrios in place as well.
Maybe rewrite the title “Dolphins Search for Desperate Trade Partner to Take Bad Contract Off their Hands”
Boom. Sherminated.
Yep. Signed him to #2 money, then proceeded to trade a haul of picks for a Top 5 #1 receiver and use another 1st on another impact receiver.
The signing seemed based on projection at the time. Now he’s an overpaid, underutilized #3 for them.
They need to find a desperate team in need of a #2. Moving him after Rd 2 or 3 after a receiver needy team strikes out in the draft would seem to make some sense. I can’t imagine they’ll find a taker before then.