The Miami Dolphins were the only NFL team to utilize the transition tag this offseason. In fact, the tag has only been used three times since the new Collective Bargaining Agreement was established in the summer of 2011.

Miami's designation was given to starting tight end Charles Clay on Monday that will pay him $7.017 million for 2015, which is the average of the top-10 tight ends in the league. The transition tag also allows Miami the chance to match any offer Clay receives in free agency, which is key for fans to remember.

The Dolphins are aware there would be a market for Clay as the two sides try to negotiate a long-term extension. Not enough progress was made. Therefore, the Dolphins wanted to provide a layer of protection. They will have five days to match any contract extension he receives in free agency.

With that in mind, here is the recent history of the seldom-used transition tag:

Last year was a good example of how the transition tag can work both ways.

With Worilds, teams were scared off by the tag and didn't think the linebacker was worth the $10 million tag Pittsburgh gave to him. Worilds stayed with the team for one more season and will hit the open market as a free agent this offseason.

With Mack, the Jacksonville Jaguars did value him more than the tag and offered a substantial, $42 million contract. Cleveland also valued its center and matched the offer the Jaguars negotiated.

What does this mean for Clay? It means things can go either way in coming weeks.

The Dolphins hope the transition tag scares away teams, while Clay hopes a bidding war ensues and increases his value.