The numbers on the offer sheet handed to tight end Charles Clay by the Buffalo Bills and head coach Rex Ryan - five-years, $38 million with $24.5 million paid out the first two seasons - may look and, in fact, be gaudy, but it seems it'll be enough to ensure the talented swiss-army knife ends up as a member of the Bills next season.
According to reports from both Ian Rapoport of NFL.com and Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, the Miami Dolphins will not match the offer sheet, allowing Clay to join Ryan in Buffalo.
"The #Dolphins will not match the offer sheet that Charles Clay signed with the #Bills, source said. He's joining Buffalo," Rapoport tweeted.
"The Bills wild spending spree continues with the Dolphins, wisely, not matching the Charles Clay offer sheet. He heads to Buffalo," La Canfora added shortly thereafter.
The Dolphins won't be matching the offer sheet not just because of financials, though, per Rapoport.
"#Dolphins are happy with Jordan Cameron and Dion Sims at tight end. It's a business decision with Charles Clay, no lingering animosity," Rapoport revealed.
The Dolphins chose to use the transition tag on Clay knowing full well that another team could draft an offer sheet for the tight end they would have difficulty matching thanks to deals for Cameron and defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh on the free agent market.
Miami gambled and lost with the decision, meaning the Bills offensive makeover continues with the versatile Clay.
While the Bills still don't know for certain who will end up under center for them next season - though Matt Cassel would seem the clear front-runner - with the additions of running back LeSean McCoy, Cassel, guard Richie Incognito, multi-talented wide receiver Percy Harvin and now Clay, it seems all but certain that the offensive identity in Buffalo will be heavily run-oriented.
