The Miami Dolphins have used the franchise tag on defensive tackle Randy Starks and they will now shift their focus to a number of key players who are set to become free agents. First up appears to be wide receiver Brian Hartline.

According to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald, Hartline and the Dolphins believe the two sides can get a deal done. Salguero wrote:

Hartline wants to remain in Miami and believes he has a chemistry with quarterback Ryan Tannehill. But he also wants $6 million per season. Obviously, the Dolphins have so far resisted this price point. Both sides at this point believe something can get done before the start of free agency.

The question for Miami will be whether it makes more financial sense to pay $6 million to Hartline rather than use the money for another veteran wideout on the free agent market.

Reports have indicated the team has interest in Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace, but signing Hartline to a long-term deal would take away from the money they would have available and would certainly hurt any chances they would have of signing Wallace to the big money deal he is seeking.