DAVIE, Fla. (AP) - The Miami Dolphins have designated defensive tackle Randy Starks as their franchise player.

The Dolphins announced their decision Monday.

Starks will be guaranteed $8.45 million this season if he signs the franchise tender and plays this season under that designation, a big raise from the $3.72 million he earned in 2012. Starks has had 4 1/2 sacks each of the past two seasons for Miami, and he also had an interception with 27 tackles in 2012.

The Dolphins decided to use the franchise tag on the nine-year veteran rather than pending free agents like left tackle Jake Long and receiver Brian Hartline.