The Miami Dolphins have placed the franchise tag on nose tackle Paul Soliai, Jason La Canfora of the NFL Network reports.
A fourth-round pick out of the University of Utah in 2007, Soliai had a breakout season in 2010, starting 14 of 16 games, totaling 39 tackles, including eight for a loss, with a pair of quarterback sacks as he anchored the NFL's 7th-ranked run defense.
Soliai earned $550,000 in 2010, the final year of his rookie contract.
The franchise tag for defensive tackles is projected to be worth $12.381 million, guaranteed upon signing, in 2011, so the Dolphins' use of the tender shows how much they value the 6-4, 344-pound nose tackle, who has expressed his desire to remain with the team.
Soliai received the non-exclusive tender, which means he could speak to other teams, with the Dolphins receiving two first-round picks if they opt to not match an offer sheet. Like the other players with four accrued seasons who received the franchise tag, Soliai is expected to sign his tender immediately.
Due to the 30% rule governing contract extensions in the uncapped season, a suitable long-term contract was unable to be reached during the season. By using the franchise tag, the Dolphins and Soliai's agent, David Canter, have additional time to negotiate a long-term contract for when the new collective bargaining agreement is reached.
source: Mac's Football Blog
Posted by Brian McIntyre
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