Miami Dolphins sign QB Tannehill to big deal

MIAMI, May 18 (UPI) -- Ryan Tannehill will be paid more than Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Andrew Luck and Russell Wilson next season, after signing a deal Monday worth $96 million.

Tannehill's new deal is a six-year, $96 million extension that includes $45 million guaranteed, according to Adam Schefter.

The Miami Dolphins exercised the fifth-year option on Tannehill's rookie contract last month, to keep him under contract through 2016.

Tannehill, 26, had a career-high 4,045 yards, 27 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 2014.

The quarterback has completed 61.9 percent of his passes for 11,252 yards, 63 touchdowns and 42 interceptions in his career.

"We are thrilled that we were able to sign Ryan to an extension," Dolphins Executive Vice President of Football Operations Mike Tannenbaum told the Miami Herald. "He is an ascending talent, a team leader and checks all of the boxes you are looking for at the position."

Tannehill receives $21.5 million fully guaranteed at signing. Tannehill will receive $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," according to Pro Football Talk.

PFT reports that the contract is really a four-year extension worth $77 million, or $19.25 million annually in "new money average."