Dolphins hoping to sign Ryan Tannehill to long-term deal this offseason

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Ryan Tannehill improved immensely in 2014, which may have been enough to earn him a contract extension from the Miami Dolphins.

The Dolphins are hoping to lock Tannehill up with a long-term deal this offseason, owner Stephen Ross told reporters Monday at the owner's meetings.

"He hasn’t shown he can connect on the long ball but other than that he has every other possible attribute," Ross said.

Tannehill had the best statistical season of his career last year, completing 66.4 percent of passes and throwing for more than 4,000 yards with 27 touchdowns.

The former first-round pick is entering the final year of his rookie deal, but the Dolphins sill have the option to pick up his fifth-year option for 2016.

Ross, though, doesn't appear to want to go that route. Signing him now could be a smart move if Tannehill continues to progress behind center. Another strong season in 2015 could see him demanding more money.