Dolphins Re-Sign Vernon Carey

The Miami Dolphins opted not to use their franchise tag on offensive tackle Vernon Carey, and as it turns out, they didn't need to. The team has signed the 27-year-old offensive tackle to a multi-year contract extension, as reported by Edgar Thompson of the Palm Beach Post.

Terms of the deal have not been disclosed at this point, but with Carey locked up long-term, the Dolphins will have a more-than-formidable duo on their offensive line with he and Jake Long, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 NFL draft.

Carey was selected by the Dolphins in the first round of the 2004 draft and has started every game the past three seasons at both tackle spots.

With Jordan Gross signing his long-term extension with the Carolina Panthers on Thursday, Carey was probably going to be the top offensive lineman on this year's free agent market. Earlier on Friday, J.J. Cooper talked about how the Bears and Vikings would have a possible interest.

Miami still has two key free agents in middle linebacker Channing Crowder and starting safety Yeremiah Bell. In Thompson's article he cites an NFL source as saying there's a "30 percent chance" Crowder remains in Miami.

With Carey and Gross signed to long-term deals, and Max Starks getting the franchise tag in Pittsburgh, the offensive tackle position has taken quite a hit as far as free agency is concerned.

UPDATE: The Miami Herald reports Carey's deal is worth $42 million over six years.