Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports that the Dolphins “fully intend” to pick up C Mike Pouncey‘s fifth-year option included in his rookie contract.
New Dolphins GM Dennis Hickey indicated during a Thursday interview with Orlando Alzugaray of WMEN that the team is committed to Pouncey as their center moving forward.
“Pouncey is an excellent player,” Hickey said, via the Miami Herald. “I’ve had good conversations with him in the last month. I’m excited about the future.”
Salguero mentions that Pouncey is unlikely to be content playing out the final year of his rookie contract only to have them pick up his fifth-year option. With this in mind, Salguero believes the Dolphins will most likely entertain the idea of a contract extension at some point.
There was some speculation that Miami could consider parting ways with Pouncey after the Ted Wells report came out, but Salguero doesn’t see that happening.
Pouncey, 24, is clearly the Dolphins best offensive lineman and one of their few young pieces to build around on the offensive side of the ball. He could be facing punishment from the league for his involvement in the Jonathan Martin–Richie Incognito situation, so it probably makes sense for them to see what the NFL elects to do before considering a new contract for Pouncey.
Last year, Pro Football Focus rated Pouncey as the No. 13 center in the league and a particularly solid pass protector.
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