Sep 14, 2014; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) drops to pass under pressure from the Buffalo Bills defense during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bills beat the Dolphins 29-10. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
He’s no Tom Brady, but Ryan Tannehill is set to compete in the AFC East through the 2020 season.
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It was reported around 1PM yesterday that Tannehill, four-year quarterback out of Texas A&M, had been signed to an extension by the Miami Dolphins. Details on the contract extension include $96 million through the 2020 season with $45 million guaranteed.
The Dolphins beat the rush before the price rose. Tannehill, chosen eighth overall in the 2012 NFL draft, is the first quarterback from the class to receive an extension. Others such as Andrew Luck of the Indianapolis Colts and Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks are still awaiting for a deal from their respective teams. Robert Griffin III, chosen second overall in 2012, isn’t expected to receive an extension from the Washington Redskins unless he can prove he has the ability to stay healthy throughout a whole 16-game slate.
It’s safe to say Miami (thanks to salary cap guru Dawn Aponte) got a steal price wise for a franchise quarterback like Tannehill. By beating other teams to the punch, they got Tannehill at a much cheaper price than they would’ve if Luck or Wilson had signed extensions already.
Nov 13, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) throws a pass against the Buffalo Bills Miami defeated Buffalo 22-9. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports
So ultimately it’s a great deal for Miami but what’s this mean for the Buffalo Bills? Are they in trouble for the next six seasons with Tannehill snagging an extension, or is he just another quarterback, nothing really for the team to worry about?
Through his first six contests against Buffalo, Tannehill has only come away with a victory twice. His lack of success against Buffalo surely doesn’t put a scare in Bills fans, but they still shouldn’t be so quick to notch two victories before the season starts. In those six starts, Tannehill has had little-to-no protection, getting sacked 23 times.
That’s certainly no excuse, though. In Miami’s week 11 win against Buffalo last season, Tannehill was sacked five times and still found a way to rally the troops to victory.
When looking at other quarterback situations in the AFC East, clearly Brady is the best quarterback in the division. Obviously. But Tannehill is the obvious second. The New York Jets, well, Geno Smith, ya know. And the Bills aren’t even sure if EJ Manuel is going to make the 53-man roster.
Ryan Tannehill is not anywhere near elite, nor deserving of a $96 million contract. That said, I wish he was the #Bills quarterback.
— Ty Harper (@WolfpackCoachTy) May 19, 2015
The above tweet about sums up the quarterback situations for Miami and Buffalo. Tannehill is certainly the man to lead the franchise for owner Stephen Ross for many years to come. The Bills defense just might be his achilles heal.