The Miami Dolphins were able to squeeze in a new $49 million contract extension under their tight salary cap this weekend for defensive end Cameron Wake. But with Wake's extension and the Miami's rookie class still unsigned, what does this mean for Jake Long?
Miami's Pro Bowl left tackle is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Long is scheduled to become one of the most sought-after free agents in 2013 if Miami doesn't reach an extension.
Chances appear smaller that something to get done before the start of this season. The market value for an extension with Long will be costly.
Long most likely wants a contract similar or better than Cleveland Browns left tackle Joe Thomas, who received a seven-year, $84 million extension in 2011. Both Long and Thomas are considered the top two left tackles in the league.
There has been recent speculation that Miami's second-round pick of Jonathan Martin, who played left tackle at Stanford, could be insurance in case the team cannot work out an extension. Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland vehemently denied it, and said they plan to keep Long in Miami for a long time.
The Dolphins could cut some veteran players with high salaries to make room for Long. But that would make the rebuilding Dolphins less competitive. The safer assumption is Long could wait another year before his name is called.