National Football League

Dolphins sign Ryan Tannehill to an extension

Published May. 18, 2015 4:34 p.m. ET

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By Vincent Frank

The Miami Dolphins made a huge move on Monday - a move that could continue to keep the team in playoff contention for the foreseeable future.

The team announced that it has signed quarterback Ryan Tannehill to a contract extension. Tannehill, a first-round pick in the 2012 NFL draft, has improved under center in each of his first three seasons in the NFL. This past year saw the Texas A&M product put up career highs in completion percentage (66.4), passing yards (4,045) and touchdowns (27). He also saw his interception numbers drop from 17 in 2013 to 12 this past year.

Tannehill, 26. is viewed internally as the team’s franchise quarterback. And, in reality, this contract extension solidifies that stance.

The deal goes through the 2020 season, including the fifth-year option on Tannehill’s rookie contract - an option that will pay him $16.2 million in 2015. That makes the new deal a four-year extension.

In agreeing to the new contract, Tannehill becomes the first quarterback from the 2012 NFL Draft to be locked up by his team, beating out the likes of Andrew Luck and Russell Wilson.

If the two sides were not able to come to an agreement on an extension prior to next spring, the team would have likely had to franchise the young quarterback. By coming to terms now, the Dolphins put themselves in a favorable situation with the salary cap moving forward.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that the deal is for $96 million over six years with $45 million guaranteed.

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