By extending a second-round offer to Nik Needham before he was slated to become a restricted free agent, the Miami Dolphins took a significant step toward ensuring that they would have him return to their secondary.
On Monday, Needham completed the final stage by signing his tender for $3.98 million in 2022.
Needham was free to sign with any team that wanted him up to April 22, but the Dolphins had the right of first refusal and the compensation of a second-round draft pick if they chose not to match.
It is expected that Needham will become a free agent next summer unless the Dolphins re-sign him.
Three days after locking up the biggest piece of their secondary by re-signing three-time Pro Bowler Xavien Howard, the Dolphins added another key cog by signing Nedham.
The Dolphins only tendered Needham out of the six restricted free agents they had before free agency began; they went on to re-sign wide receiver Preston Williams, linebacker Sam Eguavoen, and safety Sheldrick Redwine.
Running back Patrick Laird and defensive back Jamal Perry are still unsigned.
How Much Does Nik Needham Make?
Nik Needham makes an average of $3,986,000 per year. Needham’s base salary and cap hit will both be $3,986,000 in 2022.