More details are emerging in connection with the next contract signed by Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill. And the most important detail relates to the amount that is fully guaranteed at signing.
Per a league source, Tannehill receives $21.5 million fully guaranteed at signing.
Another $3.5 million becomes fully guaranteed March 2016. In March 2017, another $14.475 million converts to being fully guaranteed. The remaining $5.525 million in payments guaranteed for injury only becomes fully guaranteed in March 2018.
As a practical matter, then, Tannehill will get $25 million fully guaranteed over the next two seasons — unless the Dolphins cut him before next March and let him walk away with $21.5 million over one year.
In all, it’s a four-year extension worth $77 million, which equates to $19.25 million per year in new money average. Which is a very good deal for a guy who has not yet emerged as a clear-cut, short-list franchise quarterback.