The Miami Dolphins may work out a contract extension with quarterback Ryan Tannehill this offseason and after the team has spoken with Michael Crabtree and Stevan Ridley on the free agent market, Joe Philbin and Mike Tannenbaum may target names like DeVante Parker, Todd Gurley or Kevin White in the upcoming NFL draft.
The Dolphins were one of the most active teams in the NFL this offseason, signing Ndamukong Suh to a record contract and also trading leading wide receiver Mike Wallace. Tannehill is coming off of his best season in three years and now there is pressure on the Dolphins to get back into the postseason. According to ESPN.com, the team has met with Crabtree, but the two sides could not agree on a deal and that could lead the team to target a wideout in the NFL Draft.
James Walker at ESPN.com reported that the Dolphins met with DeVante Parker ahead of the draft for a workout and they also have met with Todd Gurley. Parker is considered to be the best of the second wave of receivers in the draft and he is ranked after Kevin White and Amari Cooper by most draft experts. The Dolphins have a number of options in the draft at WR this offseason, as the class is expected to be very deep and they could find some solid prospects if Parker is off the board by the time they pick.
The Dolphins have the number 14 pick in the first round and with Parker also a target for the Bears and Browns, who pick 12th, there is a chance he could be gone. Gurley is a potential option, but that might be too high for him coming off of an injury. The Dolphins have needs at running back and wide receiver this offseason and that is why they spoke with Crabtree and Ridley on the free agent market. The Miami Herald reports that the Dolphins likely will add another player at both positions either through the draft or in free agency.
According to Pro Football Talk, the Dolphins and Crabtree talked numbers about a contract this offseason, but the two sides could not agree on a deal. The Miami Herald reports that the Dolphins offered Crabtree "close to $3 million", but he was looking for a bigger deal. The report says that Crabtree wants over $4 million for a one year deal and that could keep him on the market waiting for a while for a deal. The Redskins and 49ers have also shown interest.
Tannehill comes in after setting career highs in yards, touchdowns and completion percentage while putting up his lowest total of interceptions in three years. Tannenbaum said a contract extension is in the works and could come ahead of the season. The Miami Herald reports that the team is happy with Tannehill and where his development is and that they want to keep him long term and the deal could be for over $100 million for seven years.
