Vernon Carey signs new deal with Dolphins Omar Kelly | South Florida Sun-Sentinel 4:22 PM EST, February 20, 2009 INDIANAPOLIS - The Miami Dolphins shouldn't have to worry about the offensive tackle spot for at least a couple of seasons. Right tackle Vernon Carey signed an extension that will allow the Miami native and former University of Miami standout to remain one of the bookends on the Miami Dolphins' offensive line opposite Pro Bowl left tackle Jake Long. A league source said the new contract is a six-year deal that could pay Carey as much as $42 million if all incentives are reached. The signing bonus was not disclosed but Carey's new contract guarantees him $15 million. The Miami Dolphins opted not to place the franchise tag on the four-year starter Thursday because the feeling was all parties were close to finalizing a long-term deal that will allow the former first-round pick to possibly finish his career with the NFL team he cheered for as a child. Carey, who is 27, started 59 straight games for the Miami Dolphins and would have been in demand if he hit the open market because quality tackles rarely become free agents. Coach Tony Sparano, who worked his way up the NFL ranks as an offensive line coach, is a big fan of Carey because of his durability and the leadership he provided last season. "He brought veteran leadership to that group, an outstanding leader," Sparano said. Carey's signing now leaves the Miami Dolphins with four potential free agent starters to address. Representatives for linebacker Channing Crowder, cornerback Andre' Goodman and safeties Yeremiah Bell and Renaldo Hill are all in Indianapolis working to hammer out new deals with the Dolphins. But it's likely they'll all test the free-agent market when it opens at the end of this month.
