Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Option is picked up on Tunsil
Dolphins retain starting left tackle through 2020
DAVIE — The Miami Dolphins offensive line may be thin this offseason during the beginning stages of their extensive rebuild.
But it is clear Laremy Tunsil could be a vital part of the team’s future. The Dolphins exercised Tunsil’s fifth-year option Thursday, ensuring their starting left tackle and staple of their offensive line will remain under contract for at least two more seasons through 2020.
“I just want to help the team in any kind of way,” Tunsil said Tuesday while participating in Miami’s voluntary offseason workouts.
The Dolphins, under new coach Brian Flores and general manager Chris Grier, have locked up a player who could play a major role in their plans for the franchise.
Tunsil, 24, has played in 44 of 48 games in his three seasons since joining Miami and turned in his best season in 2018. He started 15 games and allowed just one sack.
Based on the current
state of Miami’s offensive line, securing Tunsil’s future was major for the Dolphins, who chose not to wait until May to execute the fifth-year option.
Tunsil, Miami’s firstround pick in 2016, is guaranteed to make $2.1 million in 2019.
The fifth-year option will pay Tunsil roughly $9.7 million in 2020, but it would only be guaranteed if he was unable to pass a physical at the start of the new league year in March 2020.
Tunsil’s deal in 2020 could come off the books if the Dolphins cut him, or he could return on a relatively cheaper contract.
But it is clear the Dolphins believe Tunsil will play a significant role in the future.
“I just have to come in every day, contribute to the team and put in hard work and keep building,” Tunsil said.
The Dolphins are in need of offensive linemen after the departure of right tackle Ja’Wuan James in free agency and the release of left guards Ted Larsen and Josh Sitton.
Tunsil, Jesse Davis, who played every snap at right guard last season, and center Daniel Kilgore, who started only one game last season, are the only remaining starting offensive linemen from last season.
The Dolphins could draft a potential starting offensive tackle to compete with third-year lineman Zach Sterup for the starting right tackle position voided by James, who signed a four-year, $52 million deal — $32 million guaranteed — with the Denver Broncos last month.
Davis, Sterup and backup guard Isaac Asiata were marked as exclusiverights free agents to remain with the team, while the Dolphins signed guard/ center Chris Reed, tackle Joey Jones-Smith and guard Michael Dunn to bolster their unit.
Backup center Connor Hilland also remains on the roster.