If the Miami Dolphins' principle objective of this offseason is building an offense around Ryan Tannehill, consider Thursday night's re-signing of wide receiver Brian Hartline one step toward a larger goal.
Darlington: Dolphins take aim
After missing the free agency boat last year, Miami is determined to land Mike Wallace, Jeff Darlington reports. **More ...**
Hartline isn't a star, and you can make the case that at nearly $31 million for five years, the Dolphins overpaid to retain a wide receiver who managed 74 catches but just one touchdown last season.
But Hartline also developed chemistry with Tannehill. This team's focus is putting the pieces in place that will allow its young franchise quarterback to grow. It wouldn't make much sense to let the first receiver he ever connected with walk out the door.
With Hartline and Davone Bess locked in, the Dolphins have set the table. Their expected play for Mike Wallace in free agency represents the next, and perhaps most important, step.
"It is important that we add playmakers," Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland said in January. "Ryan is one-eleventh of the offense. We've got to get some other players that can help him."
Hartline helped Tannehill last season, and now the 26-year-old is locked in for the next five seasons. It's not the end of the Dolphins' game plan, but it's a start.
Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @DanHanzus.
