Miami Dolphins place transition tag on Olivier Vernon

The Miami Dolphins placed the transition tag on defensive end Olivier Vernon on Tuesday, the deadline for tagging unrestricted free agents.

This year's transition tag number calls for defensive ends to receiver $12.734m if the sides can't reach a long-term deal.

The tag provides a significant raise for Vernon, who made just $1.542m in 2015 during the final season of his rookie contract.

A transition tag allows the player to negotiate with other teams, but his current club has the right of first refusal to match any offer.

Last year, Miami used the transition tag on tight end Charles Clay, who wound up signing a better offer with the Buffalo Bills.

Vernon, 25, has spent all four years of his career with the Dolphins after the team selected in the third round (72nd overall) in the 2012 draft.

Vernon has played in 64 games, starting all 32 games the past two seasons, and has become a force as a pass rusher.

Over the past three seasons, Vernon has 25.5 sacks. He led the Dolphins with 7.5 sacks and 36 quarterback hits (36) in 2015.