Anthony Fasano, Dolphins Agree to Contract Extension

by Andy Kent

Filed under: Dolphins, AFC East

DAVIE, Fla. -- Miami Dolphins tight end Anthony Fasano is the latest player to be rewarded for his production with a contract extension, joining slot receiver Davone Bess as someone who was taken care of during this season.

Ben Volin of The Palm Beach Post first reported the news Monday night, confirming that Fasano actually signed the extension on Nov. 5, two days before Miami lost to the Baltimore Ravens on the road. Fasano turned in his first career 100-yard game last Sunday in a 29-17 home win over the Tennessee Titans, catching five passes for 107 yards and a touchdown.

According to Volin, Fasano signed a two-year extension worth $7.75 million, with base salary increases of $1.9 million in 2011 and $3.6 million in 2012. Those numbers are courtesy of NFL Players Association records. By locking Fasano up the Dolphins now have Bess, Fasano and Brian Hartline signed through 2012.

It took a little longer than Fasano had hoped as he was seeking a contract in the offseason, only to have to accept a one-year restricted free agent tender. His first year in Miami in 2008 was the best of his career as he caught 34 passes for 454 yards and seven touchdowns, a franchise record for tight ends. He is well on pace to surpass those numbers having caught 25 passes for 367 yards and three touchdowns so far. Two years ago he was splitting time with David Martin, but now he is the primary tight end for Miami.

Dolphins coach Tony Sparano worked with Fasano in Dallas after the Cowboys chose the tight end out of Notre Dame in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He was the assistant head coach and offensive line coach at the time, so when he heard that general manager Jeff Ireland was able to complete the deal he was relieved.

"Yeah, I'm excited about it," Sparano said. "I was really happy that we were able to do that and I thought Jeff did a super job in that area and Anthony's people did a great job there, too. I was happy that we had the ability to keep Anthony around us a little bit longer.

"He is having a really good year and I think that the guy's catching the ball well. He's blocking well. ... He's been really productive for us that way and really good for the young guys. He's tremendous for the young players and hasn't been really selfish at all. He's the kind of guy we really want to have around."

 

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