Dolphins assign transition tag to Olivier Vernon

The Miami Dolphins have officially used the transition tag on defensive end Olivier Vernon, the team announced Tuesday.

The transition tag means Vernon can negotiate with other teams, but allows the Dolphins first refusal in matching any offer that he may receive from another team.

However, it differs from the non-exclusive franchise tag because if Miami fail to match the offer, they don't receive the usual draft pick compensation gained from losing a free agent.

Vernon is slated to earn $12.7 million under the transition tag, $3 million less than the franchise-tag number.

The Dolphins reportedly offered Vernon a contract worth around $12 million per year, reports Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports, so he'll test the market to see if anyone will offer a better deal.

Vernon registered 61 tackles and 7.5 sacks in 2015.