Ryan Tannehill: Franchise Quarterback

We have our first true Aggie franchise quarterback.

Yesterday, the Dolphins tacked on four years and $77 million to the remainder of Tannehill's rookie deal (two years/$18.255 million), including a guarantee that starts at $21.5MM but can rise up to $45MM through the life of the contract.

Mike Florio explains in more detail below:

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.

Really, we're just tossing semantics on top of one undeniable simple fact... which is that this is a lot of cheddar. A "we see you as a franchise quarterback" amount of cheddar.

Reactions around the league varied, but I found that most hinged on an understanding of the contract.

Tannehill contract like so many NFL deals: limited upfront investment, larger numbers non-guaranteed, "pay-as-you-go" after 2-3 years.

— Andrew Brandt (@adbrandt) May 19, 2015

Had a chance to get a gander at the details of Tannehill deal and write up my thoughts for @cbssports. Very low risk buy for the Dolphins...

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) May 19, 2015

Tannehill's new-$$ average ($19.25M) is 6th among QBs. Only QB among 15 highest paid to not have a plus-.500 season or playoff appearance.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) May 18, 2015

Kaepernick/Dalton deals had big total values, but are essentially two years, $25M and then "we'll see." Tannehill may be the same.

— Andrew Brandt (@adbrandt) May 18, 2015

After seeing that Ryan Tannehill may be an actual dolphin, it's no surprise Miami signed him to an extension. pic.twitter.com/S8seIIAeeJ

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) May 18, 2015

Where does Ryan Tannehill's contract rank among the elite? pic.twitter.com/zsdBtea5Lc

— NFL (@nfl) May 19, 2015

The reactions may vary, but one thing remains perfectly clear... the Dolphins see themselves as a playoff contender, and they see Ryan Tannehill as the QB that can make it happen.

Good luck and gig 'em, Ryan.