The Miami Dolphins are making big moves on offense that they hope result in improved play from Ryan Tannehill and a better 2015 season. Still in need of a running back, the tight end position has taken priority after the Dolphins realized they were at risk of losing Charles Clay despite giving him a transition tag. After signing Jordan Cameron, is Clay officially out of the picture?
The Dolphins announced on Thursday they had signed Cameron to a two-year, $15 million contract according to ESPN. The tight end was visiting the facilities, but left without a contract and headed back to Cleveland. The Browns were hoping to offer something better in order to keep Cameron around, but in the end the Dolphins won out. According to Cameron, Tannehill was a big reason he opted for South Beach over Ohio.
"He's young, he's willing to work and he puts the hours in. They were singing his praises today. It was definitely a big part of my decision," Cameron said, via the team website.
So what happens to Clay now? According to the Palm Beach Post, the Dolphins are still considering keeping Clay. Prior to signing Cameron it was reported the Dolphins were trying to work out a multi-year deal with Clay in hopes of beating out the Buffalo Bills who had suddenly taken a great interest in the tight end. Team sources are reporting that Miami will not remove the transition tag from Clay which makes him eligible to earn $7.017 million next season. If he accepts, that money becomes fully guaranteed.
The Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns and Atlanta Falcons are reportedly in play Clay with Cameron, Julius Thomas, Niles Paul and others already re-signed. The tight end market is not that strong as clay becomes the best available at the moment. After waiving both Brian Hartline and Brandon Gibson, the Dolphins would like a two tight end system to work with as Cameron can also act as a wide receiver at times.
The Dolphins still need a running back to work alongside Lamar Miller. Knowshon Moreno would sign for very cheap after missing almost all of last season. According to the Miami Herald, Moreno is still in play for the Dolphins, but not a priority. The Dolphins have a lot of faith in Miller being the starting running back and could simply opt to draft someone at the position instead.
