Ryan Tannehill was worth the investment for the Dolphins

They Got a Bargain

I know it seems a bit crazy to call a $96 million extension a bargain, but that’s exactly what Tannehill’s new deal is. First the Dolphins rewarded their quarterback, then two weeks later the Carolina Panthers gave Cam Newton an even bigger deal. Newton received a five-year deal worth $103.8 million, including $60 million guaranteed.

While Tannehill’s contract was originally reported as carrying around $45 million in guaranteed money, the reality is that just $21.5 million was fully guaranteed. Moreover, when you compare Newton and Tannehill, you realize the Dolphins got a sweetheart deal.

In four seasons in the league, Newton has a 30-31-1 record as a starter, while Tannehill is 23-25 in three years. Newton carries a career quarterback rating of 85.4, while Tannehill’s sits at 84.0. Tannehill also has a higher career completion percentage (61.9) than Newton (59.5). Newton is much more of a dual-threat than Tannehill, but his ability to gain yards on the ground will almost certainly continue to dissipate in the coming years (he had a career-low 539 rushing yards in 2014).

Additionally, Newton’s numbers have trended downward, while Tannehill’s are rising. The Panthers’ quarterback boasted career-worsts in yards (3,127), yards per attempt (6.98) and quarterback rating (82.1) in 2014.

Had the Dolphins waited to lock up Tannehill, they may have had to raise their offer even higher. The total value of Newton’s current contract (including the new extension) is $118 million over six years. It’s hard to make the argument that Newton deserves $22 million more than Tannehill right now.

More from Miami Dolphins

• NFL rumors: Division rival could steal Dalvin Cook from Dolphins
• 5 dream scenarios for Dolphins in 2023 season
• NFL Rumors: Dalvin Cook free agency complicated by court filing
• NFL Power Rankings: Who is the best quarterback in each division?
• Tyreek Hill, desperate for motivation, fueled by Chiefs Super Bowl run