The Miami Dolphins have applied the transition tag on starting defensive end Olivier Vernon, the team announced Tuesday.
The one-year transition tag for a defensive end is worth $12.734 million, according to the NFLPA. Under the tag, other teams can still negotiate with Vernon when free agency begins next week, but the Dolphins will have the right to match any offers. Last year, Miami used the transition tag on tight end Charles Clay, who wound up signing a better offer with the Buffalo Bills.
The tag provides a significant raise for Vernon, who made just $1.542 million in 2015 during the final season of his rookie contract. The former third-round pick has never missed a game in four seasons and has developed into one of Miami's most dependable players.
Vernon, 25, still has the potential to garner interest on a long-term contract. He has 29 career sacks over his four seasons.
Vernon led the Dolphins last season with 7.5 sacks in addition to 61 tackles. He picked up his play in the second half of the season when Pro Bowl defensive end Cameron Wake went out for the year with an Achilles injury.
"I think my film work is going to speak for itself," Vernon told ESPN.com in December regarding his free agency. "So it's on the coaches in what they see on film."
Vernon, a Miami native, played football in South Florida at every level. He played for American High School and at the University of Miami in college. The Dolphins drafted Vernon in the third round in 2012.
