The Miami Dolphins were expected to be one of the biggest players in free agency and they got started on that a bit early, as the team signed wideout Brian Hartline to a five-year contract ahead of the start of the free agency period.
According to ESPN.com, sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter that the Dolphins have signed Hartline to a five-year, $30.775 million deal, which includes $12.5 million in guaranteed money. The receiver had a breakout season for the Dolphins last year and signed a deal similar in length to that of Dwayne Bowe.
Teams can sign their own free agent before the mains signing period begins on Tuesday. Hartline was originally a fourth-round pick out of Ohio State and had a career-high 74 receptions for 1,083 yards for first-year quarterback Ryan Tannehill. The two developed a great relationship and connected for one touchdown.
Over his four years in the league, Hartline has 183 receptions, 2,753 yards and six touchdown catches in 60 career games. He was going to be an unrestricted free agent and likely would have had suitors from around the league, which is one reason why the Dolphins signed him.
The team is still in need of a true number one receiver and signing Hartline doesn't mean they still won't go after Wes Welker, who used to be on the team, or Mike Wallace from the Pittsburgh Steelers. The team has been rumored to be interested in Wallace and there is a good chance he will sign with them.
Wallace is one of the fastest receivers in the NFL and although his numbers were hurt by a holdout last year, he would provide an explosive option for head coach Joe Philbin. Wallace is considered to be one of the quickest cutters in the NFL and chances are he will not be back with the Steelers after they did not franchise him and signed Antonio Brown to an extension last year.
Welker is also an interesting option since he was first with the Dolphins before being traded to the Patriots. Wallace is more likely since Hartline and Welker play the same position, but there is chance owner Stephen Ross could want to bring him back.
