The Miami Dolphins executed a significant maneuver on Tuesday by parting ways with linebacker Jerome Baker, a strategic decision that unlocks approximately $9.8 million in salary cap room.

Baker, originally selected as a third-round pick by the Dolphins in the 2018 draft, had been under contract for the final year of a three-year extension but faced challenges due to injuries in the previous season.

A setback occurred when an MCL sprain sidelined Baker for four games towards the end of the previous season. Furthermore, he underwent wrist surgery after Miami’s regular-season finale, which caused him to miss the Dolphins’ playoff defeat against Kansas City.

Throughout his tenure with Miami, Baker made 82 starts, accumulating 22 1/2 sacks, five interceptions, and six forced fumbles.

General manager Chris Grier had expressed the team’s desire to keep Baker during the NFL combine last week, emphasizing the importance of the new defensive staff evaluating the team and defense collectively.

Nevertheless, the Dolphins are facing the potential departure of another key defensive player, as defensive tackle Christian Wilkins is set to become a free agent after pursuing a contract extension. Miami decided against utilizing the franchise tag on Wilkins.

The decision to release Baker incurs a dead cap hit of approximately $4.9 million for the Dolphins. Additionally, the release of cornerback Keion Crossen results in an approximate $2.9 million increase in cap space.

In a bid to fortify their defense, the Dolphins also secured defensive tackle Isaiah Mack on Tuesday.

Miami is grappling with uncertainty at the linebacker position due to the recovery of star pass rushers Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb from season-ending injuries. Phillips suffered a torn Achilles tendon in November, while Chubb endured a torn ACL in his right knee.

Furthermore, Grier confirmed during the combine that the Dolphins intend to part ways with veteran cornerback Xavien Howard, the team’s longest-tenured player, by releasing him at the onset of the new league year on March 13.