Report: Dolphins assure Tannehill he'll start in 2018

The Miami Dolphins are one of many teams rumored to be targeting a quarterback early in this year's NFL draft, but it appears they've given their current starter some job security for the upcoming season.

Miami has assured quarterback Ryan Tannehill that he'll start in 2018 even if the team drafts a quarterback in the first round, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Pelissero added that the Dolphins will still consider moving up for a quarterback, but the "smart money says they stand pat at 11 and take the best available defensive player."

Related: Dolphins' Gase names Tannehill starter: 'That's not changing anytime soon'

Tannehill suffered a knee injury late in 2016, and that same knee caused him to miss the entire 2017 season. The signal-caller reportedly restructured his contract in March to give the team more cap space.

The Dolphins have been linked to quarterback Baker Mayfield in the draft process, but he'll likely be selected well before their current pick. However, with Tannehill's long-term health in question, Miami could target another top passer, whether or not the team trades up on Thursday.