The Miami Dolphins have yet to make a decision on quarterback Ryan Tannehill's fifth-year option. While the team has Tannehill under contract for one more year, exercising the option would cost them roughly $15 million in 2016.
The question is: Does Tannehill deserve that?
Let's look at the facts. Tannehill is 5-2 in his last seven games and is completing 70 percent of his passes in that span. He's on pace to finish with the best completion percentage of his career (66.5).
But Miami lost its final two games of the season last year to miss out on the playoffs. Tannehill is just 6-5 in the month of December in his careers and 22-22 overall. His spike in completion percentage can be attributed to offensive coordinator Bill Lazor drawing up more conservative and safe throws for his QB.
Tannehill is on pace to set a career high in touchdowns (20), passer rating (92.1) and rushing yards (289).
But one could argue that his stats are buoyed by an increase in the use of the zone read option, an improved offensive line and a top ten rushing offense to rely on.
"I think I'm playing better than I was earlier in the year, that's step number one," Tannehill said. "The guys around me are playing well, too. They're making some tough catches. Jarvis [Landry] made a huge catch on a third down that was low. Dion [Sims] made a couple nice catches. They're giving me time in the pocket and all that fits together to elevate the offensive play and my play."
It's hard to peg Tannehill down. He's stayed healthy since being drafted and has some good pass catchers. Yet he has still managed to not answer long-term questions about his ability as a franchise quarterback. It's concerning to still be an unknown at the game's most important position in year three.
Overall, Grantland's Bill Barnwell doesn't believe Miami will commit to Tannehill long-term.
"As for the option? I don't think the Dolphins will exercise it. Tannehill's just not worth $16 million based on what we've seen, and if he proves the Dolphins wrong, well, he can always renegotiate an extension before the old deal expires. It might cost the Dolphins extra money if it works out that way, but, as always seems to be the case with Tannehill, we just need more time to figure out if he's any good."
