The Miami Dolphins and Brian Hartline agreed to a five-year deal on Friday worth nearly $31 million, the veteran receiver's agent told ESPN.com. The contract includes $12.5 million guaranteed.

Hartline avoids becoming an unrestricted free agent Tuesday, instead deciding to remain with the team that drafted him in 2009. "I believe he could have signed for more in the open market with another team, but he wanted to remain with the Dolphins for less money," Harline's agent Drew Rosenhaus wrote in a text message to The Associated Press.

Working with rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill, Hartline led the Dolphins last year with 74 receptions for 1,083 yards, both career highs, despite missing the majority of the preseason because of injuries. However, he only caught one touchdown pass and has a career total of six with 183 receptions.

Miami may continue to pursue a wide receiver in free agency or the NFL draft to give Ryan Tannehill a No.1 target. The Dolphins are reportedly interested in pursuing free agents Mike Wallace and possibly Greg Jennings.