Tua Tagovailoa Pursues Miami Dolphins For Contract Extension
In the midst of talks, the star quarterback holds out for a contract that breaks records.
Since joining the Miami Dolphins, Tua Tagovailoa has unquestionably changed the game. Tagovailoa is proving to be a tough negotiator as the team attempts to lock up its top quarterback for the long run. The 26-year-old is negotiating for a deal that is significantly more lucrative than what the Dolphins first offered.
The 2020 NFL Draft saw the Alabama graduate selected in the first round. He signed a $30 million four-year contract with Miami, which included a $23.5 million fifth-year option. The quarterback’s demands have significantly increased the stakes, but the Dolphins have exercised this option to demonstrate their determination to maintain Tagovailoa.
One NFL executive believes Tagovailoa’s contract will be no different from the record-breaking high prices paid to elite quarterbacks in recent years. The executive estimated, speaking to Dolphin Nation, “He’s going to improve because they’ve trained him. You wish not to let him go. Getting a quarterback was really difficult. Finding that equilibrium is all that’s needed. I estimate the amount to be $55 million [yearly], but it might be higher.”
The Dolphins have started contract negotiations, but Tagovailoa has rejected their initial offers, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Fowler said on SportsCenter, “They have had preliminary conversations, contract talks. The Dolphins reportedly made at least one contract offer, but as we all know, these things don’t always work out and the offer wasn’t good enough.”
Negotiations over a contract break participation of Tua Tagovailoa in the OTA
Fowler also agreed that Tua Tagovailoa will probably receive a big salary—well over $50 million yearly. “The market is essentially established. We saw that Jared Goff makes more over $50 million annually, and Tua will benefit from that,” Fowler continued.
With organized team activities (OTA) underway, the Dolphins’ top quarterback has been noticeably missing. Fowler thinks that the continuing contract negotiations are related to Tagovailoa’s absence. “He skipped some OTA time, I’ve verified, and honestly it could depend on how negotiations go with his contract as to whether he starts to show up or is there full-time,” Fowler explained.
A Pro Bowl pick in 2023, Tagovailoa has a strong rapport with Tyreek Hill, the wide receiver, which gives opposing teams fits. With contract negotiations continuing, it’s unclear if this explosive combination will stop wrecking havoc beyond this season.
A resolution is anxiously awaited by Dolphins supporters, who want to witness more of Tagovailoa’s magic at Hard Rock Stadium. The Dolphins are in control of the situation for the time being as they work to secure their franchise quarterback.
