Olivier Vernon’s free agency situation was a fluid one in recent days, but there now appears to be a resolution.
The New York Giants are set to sign the defensive end to new contract according to NFL Network media insider Ian Rapoport. The new deal is five years, worth a total of $85 million and contains $52.5 million in guaranteed money. It’s the largest contract for a player at his position in league history. Vernon played the first four seasons of his career with the Miami Dolphins.
Olivier Vernon gets $85M over 5 years — WOW — with $52.5M in guarantees.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2016
New York Giants To Sign Olivier Vernon To Record Contract
Vernon was originally given the transition tag designation by the Dolphins on March 1. That move locked him into a one-year, fully guaranteed $12.734 million contract for 2016 if he signed the tender. Miami had the right of first refusal on any offer sheet opposing teams extended to Vernon. If they decided not to match, the team would receive no compensation in return.
But late Tuesday, reports began to surface indicating the Dolphins were considering rescinding the tag. That move eventually took place on Wednesday. This would enable the team to acquire a compensatory pick from the league if he signed elsewhere. Vernon had attracted interest from a few teams in recent days, including the Jaguars and Giants.
The soon-to-be fifth year pro had a fairly impressive season on the Miami defensive front. Vernon led the Dolphins with 7.5 sacks and was a nuisance to opposing quarterbacks in other ways as well. He tallied 30 quarterback hits which led the league. Pro Football Focus gave him the highest pass rushing grade among players at his position during the regular season.
Vernon’s football career at all levels to this point has been played in South Florida. He was a standout at American High School in the area and would later play collegiately at Miami. In 2012, the Dolphins would pick him in the third round of the NFL Draft.
His original rookie contract was worth an average of around $920,000 over the span of the four-year deal.
