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Dolphins, Ryan Tannehill discussing $105M extension

By Evan Massey

Dec 14, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) throws the ball during the first quarter against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) throws the ball during the first quarter against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Miami Dolphins and quarterback Ryan Tannehill are discussing a seven-year, $105 million contract extension heading into the offseason.

Ryan Tannehill and the Miami Dolphins played a very respectable season in 2014, and barely missed making the playoffs in the AFC. They finished the year at 8-8, and were just a few plays away from winning a couple more of those games and being legitimate playoff contenders.

That being said, they have a very bright future ahead of them with the combination of offense and defense that they have put together. According to a report from Bleacher Report, the Dolphins are discussing a big extension with Tannehill that would pay him $105 million over the next seven years.

Miami’s offense improved throughout the course of the season, but Tannehill still has plenty of work to do before he becomes a franchise caliber quarterback. There is no question that he has that potential, but giving him this type of deal at this point in time would be a bit too risky. It appears that the Dolphins are ready to commit long-term to him, which could end up being a bust.

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During the 2014 season, Tannehill ended up throwing for 4,045 yards, 27 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.

It is going to be very interesting to see what type of money is guaranteed in the contract. Tannehill is still a very unpolished quarterback, and the Dolphins have to be a bit leery of giving up that type of money. Perhaps he will have an incentive based contract that will depend on how he plays over the next seven years.

At 26 years of age, Tannehill is just starting to enter the prime of his career. He has plenty of time to grow into his full potential, and now has three years of experience under his belt.

There is also the chance that Miami could have a “star” quarterback on their hands. Tannehill won’t be an “elite” quarterback throughout his career, but he is more than capable of putting up big numbers. Miami hasn’t had a consistent quarterback since Dan Marino, and perhaps Tannehill is capable of being that long-term option for them.

Plenty of teams have worse quarterback options than Tannehill, but the Dolphins have to be careful of overpaying. The market is very expensive for quarterbacks, but has Tannehill really shown enough for them to commit seven years and $105 million to him? They are the only ones that can answer that question, but they need to be really careful moving forward.

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