The Dolphins have a number of players whose contracts expire following the 2009 season - which we will examine tomorrow.  But the Dolphins reduced that number today by signing CB Will Allen to a contract extension that will keep him in Miami through the 2011 season.

The deal, according to the Twitter account of Drew Rosenhaus, will pay Allen $16.2 million over the next three seasons, including $10 million in guaranteed money.

In a statement, Rosenhaus says:

"We're happy to get a deal done that makes sense for both sides. Will is excited because he was going into a free-agent year, but wanted to remain a Miami Dolphin. Now he'll remain with a franchise we feel is going places."

This is a great move, in my opinion.  Allen is a constant professional and is very well respected by "football people."  I think that us fans sometimes overlook his contributions, but he really is a very solid player week in and week out.  Now he'll be able to mentor Miami's two rookies - Vontae Davis and Sean Smith - for their first few seasons.

And, all of a sudden, the Dolphins' secondary could be set for the foreseeable future.

(Hat tip to Brian81371)