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#Dolphins make it official, announcing that they've placed the transition tag on DE Olivier Vernon
— Greg Likens (@GregLikens) March 1, 2016
We have been speculating for weeks if the Dolphins would place the franchise tag on Oliver Vernon. However, it is not the franchise tag. Instead, the Dolphins have opted to use the transition tag on Vernon.
When a player receives the transition tag, it ensures that the Dolphins can match any offer given to Vernon from other teams. The Dolphins will have a chance to match any offer and the transition tag is worth $12.3 million. The franchise tag would have been worth $15.7 million.
The Dolphins would love to have Vernon back but the team has looked at other pass rush options. Last year, the Dolphins placed the transition tag on Charles Clay, because they didn't think he was worth the money he was asking for in a long term contract. Clay signed with the Buffalo Bills for $38 million, while the Dolphins signed Jordan Cameron for $15 million.
We will just have to wait and see how this situation works out.
So everyone's clear, transition tag gives Dolphins right to match a deal player gets from another team. No match, player walks. No comp.
— Armando Salguero (@ArmandoSalguero) March 1, 2016