Ryan Tannehill is going to be the next $100-million man whether fans think he deserves it or not. Team officials have made it clear that they are committed to the former first-round draft pick and favor his future. That will cost the Dolphins some free agents to the tune of players like Mike Wallace and Knowshon Moreno who could be looking to bolt regardless. With Tannehill's contract the priority, where do some of their stars head off to?
Dan Hyde of the Sun Sentinel first reported the Dolphins were beginning to lay out the frame work of a long-term contract for Tannehill that could be upwards of seven years and $105 million. That would pay the quarterback $15 million a season while likely making at least two years of that deal guaranteed. It would be similar to the contract Andy Dalton signed in Cincinnati.
Tannehill's critics will say that the quarterback is not worth it. He is 23-25 as starter and has yet to take Miami to a playoff game while the other quarterbacks in his draft class which include Russell Wilson and Andrew Luck have tasted the postseason and Super Bowl trophies. The quarterback struggles to throw the deep ball and lacks flexibility in his skillset, but the Dolphins like his potential and improvement.
With Tannehill's contract, Mike Wallace could be good as gone, but ESPN.com reports the Dolphins will first seek out to trade the wide receiver before releasing him. Wallace's contract is not a favorable pickup, but the wide receiver is a real threat to any team needing a big playmaker. The Oakland Raiders have the space for Wallace as do the Cleveland Browns and both have a need for him. Outside of those two teams, the Carolina Panthers could consider bringing on Wallace.
Brian Hartline could also be a casualty to the quarterback contract which would leave Miami without their best receiver outside of Jarvis Landry. Hartline is a fan favorite and productive and versatile threat on the field. The Dolphins would be better suited to try and find a trade for Hartline first as a number of teams could use his skills on the field while his contract is more manageable.
Knowshon Moreno will likely not return. After playing on a one-year contract, the running back suffered a season-ending injury that hurts his chances at a new contract. The Dolphins could move on with Lamar Miller and LaMichael James. Tannehill's contract is a high risk, high reward scenario. If the quarterback does make a big leap, the Dolphins have secured their "guy" for years to come. However, if Tannehill struggles they could find themselves in the same situation as the Chicago Bears.
