Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports that there have been no contract discussions between the Dolphins and DE Olivier Vernon regarding a contract extension.
Jackson suggests that the recent five-year, $55 million contract signed by Saints DE Cameron Jordan could provide the “floor” for contracts talks between the Dolphins and Vernon.
In the end, Jackson expects Vernon to target more money than this, possibly in the range of five years, over $60 million in total, and over $40 million guaranteed.
For what it’s worth, Jackson doesn’t rule out the possibility of the Dolphins using their franchise tag on Vernon next year, even though it would run them close to $15 million.
While Miami has an impressive defensive line right now, there are some obvious question marks moving forward such as Vernon and his long-term future with the team, veteran DE Cameron Wake who’s getting up there in age, and former first-round pick Dion Jordan.
Vernon, 24, is entering the final year of his four-year, $2,818,080 rookie contract and stands to make a base salary of $700,000 for the 2015 season.
In 2014, Vernon appeared in all 16 games for the Dolphins and recorded 47 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 17 defensive end in a 4-3 defense out of 59 qualifying players.
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There is a reason Miami has invested so much into developing 4 DE’s who are all solid players, and you just finished reading about it…Right now here is were Miami stands at DE
1. Cam Wake,,,
2 Olivier Vernon
3. Terence Fede
4. Derrick Shelby
And a short string of rookies behind them.
OV is pure Miami. He actually attended many of the Miami Dolphins youth camps and football camps. That isn’t going to mean much more then a small consideration to Vernon when it comes time to get paid. One of the reasons why I have not been on the Evan Mathis band wagon, even though his presence at guard would be great is because the moment Miami signs him. They are getting a 34 year old for a couple years and losing either Vernon, Miller, Wake or Grimes.
I believe the presence of Vernon to be too important to give a huge contrast to Evans. Or Miller. And as good as shape that Wake stays in, injuries are starting t take a toll with age. This is a touchy area with Miami. They are going to need one more great draft to top this team off. But losing core players is not how to do it.
I thought he had better stats
Vernon’s 2013 stats were more impressive with 11.5 sacks.