Starting LB Baker latest Dolphins cap casualty

MIAMI — The Dolphins released linebacker Jerome Baker, the team announced Tuesday, in the latest of several moves the Dolphins have made this offseason to regain financial flexibility.

Baker was the team’s third-round pick in 2018 and has started 82 games in his six NFL seasons. The starting inside linebacker was entering the final year of a three-year, $37.5 million contract he signed in 2021; releasing him saves Miami $9.8 million against the salary cap this season.

Baker, who underwent surgery on his wrist in January, was released with a failed physical designation.

The Dolphins also announced they are releasing cornerback Keion Crossen, who missed the entire 2023 season with an injury that was described as a freak accident.

In February, Miami released veteran Emmanuel Ogbah and designated cornerback Xavien Howard as a post-June 1 release — moves that will save the team roughly $32.5 million in 2014.

A source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that Baker and the Dolphins discussed a contract restructure but couldn’t come to an agreement. However, the door is not closed on Baker returning to the team after testing the free agent market.

General manager Chris Grier took a similar sentiment when discussing Howard’s release.

“We had a long discussion and he understood it was a business decision,” Grier said. “At the end of the day, we just felt it was right for him to have this opportunity for his agent to go see what’s out there for him. But we didn’t close the door on it.

“We’re going to stay in communication as the process goes and see what happens, and we left the door open for him possibly coming back here too.”

Miami declined to apply the franchise tag to any of its marquee pending free agents, including defensive tackles Christian Wilkins and offensive linemen Robert Hunt and Connor Williams. There is still time for the team to agree to a deal with each player before the league year begins March 13, and free agency opens.