The Miami Dolphins are committed to Ryan Tannehill. The team continues to endorse the quarterback for the future regardless of the lack of consistent success he has brought the team so far. Three years into his career, Tannehill has yet to experience the postseason while his stats are simply average. Regardless of what the Dolphins say about a potential contract extension, Tannehill's future is unclear at best which begs the question of whether the team would consider adding someone with him?
The Dolphins are in the middle of deciding whether or not to sign Tannehill to a long-term extension. With the current quarterback market, Tannehill's deal would have to be over $100 million and there are legitimate concerns that he might not be worth that much. According to the Miami Sun-Sentinel, the Dolphins are negotiating a long-term deal for Tannehill, but if that fails then they will pick up his fifth-year option which would be worth around $16 million in the 2016 season.
"We like the player a lot. Our hope and expectation is he'll be here for a long time," team vice president Mike Tannenbaum said, via the Sun-Sentinel. "When a long-term deal gets done, I don't have a timetable right now."
The trick is determining what kind of contract Tannehill would get if it is long-term. He could get a deal worth five or six years similar to what Alex Smith and Andy Dalton inked. That would help lessen the cap space. The Dolphins would have to give him more than $100 million, but extending the length to around six years would help the salary cap. Is Tannehill worth it?
NFL.com lists the Dolphins as a team that should consider trading for Philip Rivers. Last season was average for Tannehill and it was considered a make-or-break season for the quarterback. Getting Rivers into the AFC East would immediately make the Dolphins contenders to top the New England Patriots. The Jets and Buffalo Bills have quarterback issues. Bringing in Rivers means the team jumps into playoff contention. Tannehill leaves the Dolphins uncertain at best.
The Miami Herald reports that the Dolphins are not interested in adding quarterbacks, convinced Tannehill is their guy. A trade for Rivers is unlikely of course. Miami cannot take on his contract. At this point they will add a veteran wide receiver and wrap up free agency. However, the veteran has announced he is planning on playing through his contract and deciding his future after that. The Dolphins could move in next season and sign him if Tannehill fails to develop.