:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49035923/GettyImages-489368956.0.jpg)
The Miami Dolphins wanted to keep defensive end Olivier Vernon this offseason, but were not willing to pay him the huge contract he felt he could command on the free agent market. It appears those huge salary numbers are becoming a reality for Vernon as he agrees to terms with the New York Giants:
Giants get DE Olivier Vernon, source says. For real.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 9, 2016
Numbers on Olivier Vernon's deal with the Giants not in, but it's a big one. Biggest contract for a 4-3 DE.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 9, 2016
Vernon led the Dolphins in 2015 in sacks, tallying 7.5. The Dolphins' third round pick in 2012, Vernon recorded 29 career sacks in four seasons, along with three forced fumbles and 188 tackles. He has appeared in all 64 games played since he was drafted, starting 46 of them. A Miami native, Vernon, who played high school football at Miami American and college football at the University of Miami, will play football outside of his hometown for the first time with the move to New York.
UPDATE:
Vernon's numbers are in, with him receiving $17 million per year:
Olivier Vernon gets $85M over 5 years — WOW — with $52.5M in guarantees.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2016