MIAMI — Miami Dolphins nose tackle Paul Soliai has signed a franchise-tag contract that guarantees him about $12.5 million for the 2011 season.
The signing was confirmed on Twitter by Soliai's agent, David Canter. The deal is an increase from Soliai's salary of $550,000 in 2010.
Because he was given the franchise tag, Soliai receives the average salary of the five highest-paid defensive linemen in the NFL.
Soliai struggled with his weight in his first three seasons, but his play improved in 2010, when he had 39 tackles and two sacks.