The Miami Dolphins will not match the offer sheet free agent tight end Charles Clay signed with the Buffalo Bills earlier this week.
Confirming @MiamiDolphins will not match @buffalobills offer sheet for TE Charles Clay. @NFLonFOX
— Alex Marvez (@alexmarvez) March 19, 2015
.@MiamiDolphins feel good about TEs Jordan Cameron & Dion Sims. Team hosting QB Tarvaris Jackson, C J.D. Walton on visits today @NFLonFOX
— Alex Marvez (@alexmarvez) March 19, 2015
Clay will receive a five-year deal worth $38 million and $20.5 million guaranteed, making him the fourth-highest paid tight end in the NFL.
The Dolphins had placed a transition tag on Clay prior to the beginning of the free agency period. That guaranteed him at least $7 million if he had stayed, but it allowed him to test free agency with the team retaining the right to match any outside offers.
Had the Dolphins designated him with the franchise tag for an additional $1.2 million, Clay would have paired this upcoming season with newly acquired tight end Jordan Cameron -- who signed a two-year, $15 million contract last week.
Instead, Miami will move on with Cameron and possibly promote Dion Sims to the starting lineup. Sims played well as a starter last year when Clay was out with injuries.
With Clay all but officially gone to their division rivals, Miami will regain $7 million in cap space that was originally earmarked for him had he returned.
You can follow Surya Fernandez on Twitter @SuryaHeatNBA or email him at SuryaFoxSports@gmail.com.
