The Miami Dolphins, trying to get under the salary cap, likely will not be able to give All-Pro linebacker Zach Thomas an extension, the Miami Herald reported on Friday.

	Thomas

Thomas, who has one year left on his contract, will count as $6.914 million against the salary cap next season, the last of his current deal. That includes a base salary of $5 million.

The Dolphins and agent Drew Rosenhaus have been working on an extension, but they have not made much progress.

''Right now, we're in a situation where we can't work a deal,'' Spielman told the Herald. "It's a matter of working within a structure where the numbers are fair, whether it's called signing bonus or guarantees. Just as long as you come up with a number that both sides feel is fair.''

Spielman told the newspaper that Rosenhaus would prefer a more conventional deal that would include a large signing bonus up front as part of a long-term deal. ''With all the things we have tied into everything else, a traditional deal does not work for us,'' Spielman told the Herald.

Rosenhaus declined to comment on negotiations to the Herald.

Spielman said the team can live with the Thomas deal if no extension can be agreed to.

''Yes, we'll be fine one way or the other,'' Spielman told the Herald.

The Dolphins are likely to face some difficult decisions to get under the cap. Both center Tim Ruddy and guard Todd Perry could be let go next week, according to the Herald. Plus, dependable fullback Rob Konrad may not be retained.

''Rob is going to be a coveted player, and I expect a lucrative market for him,'' Rosenhaus told the newspaper. "If it goes to free agency, that's fine with me. I'm not afraid to get into free agency with Rob.''