The next generation of quarterbacks in the NFL is awaiting their time to get paid. With players like Matt Ryan, Joe Flacco and Tony Romo all working through big-money deals, the younger tier of quarterbacks is looking to join them. Andrew Luck, Cam Newton and Robert Griffin III are all working off expiring fifth-year options and waiting to see who is the first to sign of the group. As the Seattle Seahawks negotiate a deal with Russell Wilson, Ryan Tannehill and the Miami Dolphins have already set one of the bars for quarterback salaries.
According to ESPN's NFL Insider Adam Schefter, the Miami Dolphins have inked Tannehill to a long-term deal after initially picking up his fifth-year option earlier in the offseason. Tannehill earned a contract worth $96 million with $45 million in guaranteed money that runs through the 2020 season. This was the goal for the Dolphins. Team vice president Mike Tannenbaum told the media that getting Tannehill under a long-term deal was the offseason priority as they are convinced he is the man for the job.
So what does Tannehill's deal mean for the remaining quarterbacks on their fifth-year options? Tannehill got that contract despite being 23-28 as a starter and having no playoff or Pro Bowl appearances. According to ESPN's David Newton, this could be a potential type of contract that Newton earns with the Carolina Panthers. The Carolina Observer reports that while Newton and the Panthers have had discussions regarding a new contract, the quarterback is very comfortable waiting to see what other players earn first.
Russell Wilson could be the contract that sets the tone for other quarterbacks. ESPN.com reports that Wilson is looking for a long-term deal worth upwards of $120 million with about 60 to 80 percent of it guaranteed. Now Newton nor Luck or Griffin will get that same contract considering they do not have Super Bowl rings on their fingers, but the guaranteed money will be the critical aspect of the contract. That portion of the deal will be what sets the market. Tannehill got 46.8 percent of his money guaranteed. Newton and Luck will want more while Griffin is an unknown.
2015 will be a big season for these quarterbacks. Good years mean more money in the contract. The Dolphins were able to get Tannehill signed to this type of contract since he lacks a breakout season. However, Luck and Newton can get a deal similar to what Wilson earns if they excel in the coming year.
