Archives for March 20, 2015

'The $24.5 million Clay will be paid through the first two years of the contract was seen as the primary obstacle to Miami’s ability to match.'

'Reports indicate Clay will make $24.2 million in the first two years because the Bills purposely structured the contract to be front-loaded as that would make it difficult for the Dolphins to match given their current salary cap situation, particularly in 2016.'

'Clay was a priority for the Bills this offseason, and they made that clear by offering him a contract the Dolphins would have trouble matching. The Bills will reportedly pay Clay more than $20 million in guaranteed money, making him one of three tight ends in the NFL to have more than $20 million guaranteed in his contract.'

'Against that kind of unusual success, it's easy to forget that, at age 24, a lot of really good quarterbacks were still closer to being a hot mess than a hot commodity.'

'Miami elected to give Clay the transition designation instead of making him its franchise player, which would have cost just $1.2 million more and made it all but impossible for another team to poach him.'

'Clay, who started 47 of the 58 games he played for the Dolphins the past four years, will receive a five-year, $38 million contract from the Bills, who viewed the H-back as the missing piece in their offense.'

'“He’s a mismatch against linebackers, safeties and even some cornerbacks,” said Troy Drayton, a former Dolphins tight end and an analyst for the team. “His versatility is something you’re going to miss in this offense. It was a great business move by Buffalo.”'

'Miami faces salary-cap constraints after signing All-Pro defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh to a $114 million, six-year contract last week.'

'In 58 games, 47 of which have been starts, the Tulsa product has 161 receptions for 1,809 yards with 14 touchdowns.'

'For only about $1 million more — $8,347,000 — the Dolphins could have used the franchise designation to retain Clay. In the event of him signing with another team, the Dolphins could have received two first-round picks in return, the type of deterrent that likely would have kept the Bills — who don't have a first-rounder in 2015 — at bay.'

'Even though the Bills have now successfully signed a transition tagged player, they will not owe the Dolphins any draft pick compensation. The transition tag only guaranteed the right of first refusal to Miami.'

'His greatest asset as he now joins Buffalo’s offense is his versatility. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman likes multi-faceted players and Clay’s ability to line up outside, in line, as an H-back or in the offensive backfield will provide Roman with many different pre-snap alignments.'