Miami Dolphins Extend QB Ryan Tannehill
From a draft class filled with NFL starting quarterbacks, the least likely of the group has signed a long-term extension. The Miami Dolphins announced on Twitter today they have signed quarterback Ryan Tannehill to an extension that will run through the 2020 season, showing immense confidence in the former Texas A&M star. The deal is expected to be worth $96 million. The terms of the deal was reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Of that $96 million, $45 million is guaranteed money. That guaranteed money ties Tannehill with Patrick Peterson for 11th overall in the league, and sixth among quarterbacks. The only quarterbacks ahead of Tannehill are Colin Kaepernick, Tony Romo, Aaron Rodgers, Jay Cutler, and Sam Bradford.
We have signed quarterback Ryan Tannehill to a contract extension through the 2020 season! #StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/pNmJvYeCsX
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) May 18, 2015
And the first QB from Class of 2012 that includes Andrew Luck, RGIII and Russell Wilson has signed.... https://t.co/ucoi1wGjQt
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 18, 2015
“We are thrilled that we were able to sign Ryan to an extension,” Dolphins vice president Mike Tannenbaum said in a statement. “He is an ascending talent, a team leader and coaches all of the boxes you are looking for at the position.”
The 26-year old had a breakout season under new offensive coordinator Bill Lazor. The former first round pick finished the 2014 seasons 4,045 yards, 27 touchdowns, 12 interceptions and a 92.8 QBR. Now in his third season since being drafted number eight overall, the former Texas A&M star has had some mixed results in the NFL. To Tannehill’s credit, his total passing yards, completion percentage, and QBR have all gone up every season of Tannehill’s NFL career. His outstanding completion percentage of 66.4% last season is the Dolphins franchise record for a single season. He also stands at the top of the career completion percentage rate at 61.9%
This move is just one of the many changes in South Beach during the 2015 offseason. The team traded star receiver Mike Wallace to Minnesota, replacing him with Saints wide receiver Kenny Stills. To play along with Stills and the veteran Greg Jennings, the team drafted Louisville star DeVante Parker in the first round. The team also picked up DT Jordan Phillips and RB Jay Ajayi.