Dolphins' Julius Thomas: Accepts smaller contract with new team

Thomas restructured his contract to eliminate $12.6 million, essentially turning it into a two-year, $12.2 million deal with $7.5 million guaranteed, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports.

Analysis:

Thomas wouldn't have been traded if he wasn't willing to restructure the five-year, $46 million contract he signed with the Jaguars in March of 2015. He was still dealt for a pittance -- a seventh-round pick -- but the willingness to renegotiate at least helped him land with a team that looks like an excellent fit. In addition to having a clear need at tight end, the Dolphins are coached by Adam Gase, who was Thomas' offensive coordinator with the Broncos in 2013 and 2014. The 28-year-old tight end had 24 touchdowns in 27 games between those two seasons, highlighted by 788-yard, 12-touchdown performance over 14 games in 2013.