The Miami Dolphins have signed two key free agents in Wide Receiver Brian Hartline and Quarterback Matt Moore to considerable contracts Friday.
Hartline's numbers come in at a 5-year deal worth just over $30 million with $12 million guaranteed. The contract is a fair one for the former fourth round pick from Ohio State. His performance as a #1 option for rookie Ryan Tannehill was admirable as he amassed over 1,000 yards for the first time to go along with a career-high in receptions. However, much was left to be desired in the red zone as Brian caught only one touchdown pass, which came on a long 80 yard pass against Arizona in an OT loss.
Cap pundits predict the signing will carry a meager $3-$4 million in cap space for the year, bringing Miami's total down to about $34 million to spend.
Many have chimed in with their opinions on the Hartline contract, some approve, others detracting, but if you look at his numbers compared to other recent contracts, Hartline's production matches up with fair market value. Laurent Robinson and Pierre Garcon both received contracts worth more than Hartline, and neither particularly outshined the former Buckeye for much of the season.
Something to also consider is that should the Miami Dolphins pursue a #1 WR target like a Mike Wallace, Hartline won't be lining up against team's #1 corners, which means we could see a swing up in his production.
Backup Quarterback Moore will now be the second highest paid clip-board holder in the NFL with his 2-year $8 million dollar contract.
It may seem like a hefty sum, but the fact is Moore was the best QB slated to hit free agency and very likely could have won a starting job away from a good 5-7 QB's.
Although some would have liked to see that money go to dynamic RB Reggie Bush, Miami more importantly prevents a good QB from going somewhere he can hurt them, like the Jets, who would be leaps and bounds better with Moore than Sanchez.
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