The Miami Dolphins are expected to be major players this offseason for offensive playmakers, but their first move was to bring back one of their own.According to ProFootballTalk.com, the Dolphins re-signed Brian Hartline, the team's leading receiver in 2012. The deal is reportedly worth $30.775 million over five years, with $12.5 million in guaranteed money. (photo: photo-gator, Flickr)
Miami is already expected to pursue big-name, and high-priced, wideouts Mike Wallace and Greg Jennings in free agency to help give the offense and developing quarterback Ryan Tannehill the explosive weapons that were sorely missed last season.
Extending Hartline ensures the Dolphins have a capable complementary option.
The former Ohio State Buckeye had a breakout season in 2012, catching 74 passes for 1,083 yards despite missing the entire preseason and training camp recovering from an appendectomy. He quickly developed a rapport with Tannehill early in the regular season, and proved to be a sure-handed target for the rookie signal-caller.
Critics will point out that Hartline's low touchdown production -- just one last season and seven total in his four year career -- does not warrant a contract on par with other premier No. 2 wideouts around the league.
But the Dolphins clearly felt comfortable locking down their most prolific receiver from a season ago, which will provide Tannehill one familiar face in a huddle likely to look much different in 2013.
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