Safety Michael Thomas started 13 games for the Dolphins last season, but he hasn’t accrued enough time over his career to avoid being an exclusive rights free agent for the second straight year.
That status is more about the exclusive rights of the team, because players don’t become a free agent unless they aren’t extended an offer. If they are, they can accept it or sit out the season. According to multiple reports, Thomas will be back with the Dolphins unless they trade him because he was extended the tender on Friday.
Thomas had 85 tackles last season and has also seen plenty of time on special teams since joining the Dolphins in 2013. Reshad Jones will be at one safety in 2016 and Thomas’ chances of joining him again will be heavily determined by what other moves the team makes in the secondary this offseason.
The Dolphins also extended tenders to tight end Jake Stoneburner, safety Shamiel Gary, wide receiver Matt Hazel, cornerback Tyler Patmon and offensive linemen Ulrick John.