Hello Houston, our old friend.
The Miami Dolphins traded DE/LB Shaq Lawson to the Houston Texans Sunday morning for Pro Bowl LB Benardrick McKinney.
The move also comes with Miami dealing a sixth-round pick to Houston while the Texans send back a seventh-rounder. The years of these picks have not yet been released.
Ian Rapoport Announces Houston Deals with Miami, Not Tennessee, Who Also Showed Strong Interest
The move was announced by NFL Insider Ian Rapoport who also said Houston gained strong interest for McKinney from the Tennessee Titans this week after it allowed the former second-round draft pick to seek a trade.
From Free Agency Frenzy on @NFLNetwork: The #Texans and #Dolphins traded quality defensive starters in a move that should benefit Shaq Lawson and Benadrick McKinney. pic.twitter.com/hMXKXZE7HI
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2021
The Texans ultimately struck a deal with Miami that will return a pass-rusher now that Houston lost J.J. Watt, its No. 1 guy at the position, just weeks ago to the Arizona Cardinals following a mutual release.
Lawson, McKinney By the Numbers
Lawson signed a three-year, $30 million dollar deal with the Dolphins last season after coming over from the Buffalo Bills. But after the NFL announced a decrease in cap space, Miami needed to gain talent and lose cap.
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Lawson cost the Dolphins $8.4 and $8.9 million dollars over the course of the next two seasons, while McKinney is under contract for the next three at a cheaper price. McKinney’s current deal has him set to make $7 million in 2021-22 and then bump up to $8.75 and $9 million dollars.
It’s important to note that Miami and McKinney can restructure before that time, but the decrease from $8.4 to $7 million is key for the 2021-22 season.
McKinney Expected to Retain High Volume Following Season-Ending Surgery in 2020-21
McKinney only played four games last season due to a season-ending shoulder injury that required surgery but is expected to be fully healthy and ready to go.
Previously, he has had three 100-plus tackle seasons and opposing quarterbacks have just a 50.3 passer rating when targeting him.
Lawson will leave the Dolphins after a career-high 18 QB pressures and 14 QB takedowns last season. He also had 32 tackles and four sacks in his lone season (CBSSports).
– Kayla Morton is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Miami Dolphins. Like and follow on Follow @northdakayla74 Follow @FPC_Dolphins and Facebook.