It's decision time for the Miami Dolphins.
Quarterback Ryan Tannehill's future with the team is up in the air and Miami needs to start thinking about a landing. He's entering the final year of his four-year rookie contract and the Dolphins still aren't entirely sure what kind of quarterback Tannehill is and can be. While most NFL observers believe that the Dolphins will ultimately exercise Tannehill's fifth-year option - keeping him in town through the 2016 season - recent reports suggest that the Fins are considering handing their 26-year-old quarterback a lucrative long-term deal. Is that the right move?
"Are the Dolphins working on a contract extension for Ryan Tannehill?" Dave Hyde of the Sun-Sentinel wrote. "Well, one source said it's being discussed with a framework being a seven-year contract worth about $105 million (depending on incentives).
"The numbers and details remain in flux, depending on what structure for the deal is decided on by the team. But the general idea is a contract of about $15 million annually that guarantees the first two years (these years are typically higher than the average of the contract), gives a team option in the third year and a player option in the final two years."
As of now, all of these discussions are internal. The Dolphins have not reached out to Tannehill's camp regarding a long-term deal.
"Multiple sources with knowledge of the situation tell PFT, however, that negotiations have not yet commenced," Mike Florio of ProFootball Talk.com wrote.
"One source said that, while the situation could change, discussions aren't happening. Another source said that talks haven't started, but the source expressed optimism that discussions will occur, at the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis."
It's understandable that the Dolphins would like some clarity and security regarding their quarterback situation. However, it is in the best interest of the team to wait. Tannehill is just 23-25 in three seasons as a starter. He has not made a single post-season appearance. His raw ability is obvious, but can he develop into a bona fide franchise quarterback who makes everyone around him better? That remains to be seen, and if recent history is any indication, the Dolphins will want to wait for the sake of their wallets.
Ask the Cincinnati Bengals or the Chicago Bears how they feel about the $100-plus million contracts they gave to Andy Dalton and Jay Cutler, respectively. You're likely to hear the phrase buyer's remorse somewhere in there.
"If I'm the Dolphins, I would take advantage of the fifth-year option," ESPN Dolphins reporter James Walker wrote. "It would keep Tannehill in the fold for two more years for approximately $17 million. After that point, the Dolphins should definitely know if Tannehill is a franchise quarterback. The Dolphins must get this quarterback decision right for the long-term health of the franchise."