Brian Hartline re-signs with Dolphins, per report

A five-year deal will keep the talented receiver in Miami to be Ryan Tannehill’s right hand man.

Mar 8, 2013, 1:32 PM UTC

Jim Rogash

James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.

Just two days before the start of the NFL's free agent negotiating period, the Miami Dolphins have taken the name of the top receivers off the board. Brian Hartline has agreed to terms on a long-term deal to remain with the organization, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.

It's reported that the deal is worth $30.775 million over five years -- a price that was confirmed by Hartline shortly after leaving the team's facility Thursday night. Hartline broke out in 2012, posting the first 1,000 yard season of his career. Despite working with rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill, the forth-year receiver still managed 74 receptions, though he only saw the end-zone once -- scoring a lone touchdown. This was a significant jump over his early career, as Hartline totaled just 1,214 yards over his first three years in the league.

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Free agent wide receiver Greg Jennings was open to the idea of joining the Dolphins a little over a month ago, now it remains to be seen whether Miami will remain in the market for another weapon. Hartline's re-signing could also have ramifications in the draft, as the Dolphins were seen as a popular landing spot for one of the top draft prospects at wide receiver.

Hartline’s deal with the Dolphins takes another free agent wide receiver off the market, following Dwayne Bowe earlier this week who re-signed with the Chiefs. Both were considered to be among the five best available players at their position.

The top free agent receivers are now Mike Wallace, Jennings and Danny Amendola. All three can expect to profit handsomely from teams hungry to add receivers to the roster in a top-heavy free agent market.