Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa remains optimistic about reaching a contract extension before the start of the regular season, despite the negotiations taking longer than anticipated.
Speaking after the first day of mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, Tagovailoa acknowledged the prolonged discussions but downplayed any concerns. “I’m not blind to people that are in my position, who are getting paid,” he said. “Am I concerned about it? I’m not concerned about it, but there’s a lot of discussion that we’ve had. We’re just trying to move that thing in the right direction to where everyone can be happy.”
Tagovailoa is in the final year of his rookie contract and has been in talks with the Dolphins for a long-term extension that would make him the highest-paid player in franchise history. General Manager Chris Grier had previously stated that an agreement before the season starts in September was ideal, a timeline that Tagovailoa still finds realistic. “I think there’s been a lot of progress at this point, from where we started there’s been a lot of progress,” he mentioned, highlighting the complex nature of such negotiations.
The 2023 season saw Tagovailoa lead the NFL in passing yards and earn his first Pro Bowl start, setting career highs in multiple categories. This performance was a stark contrast to the 2022 season, where he suffered two concussions, missing five games, including a crucial playoff match against the Buffalo Bills. His resilience and improved performance have only heightened the anticipation around his contract extension.
Tua Tagovailoa’s offseason changes
To address his durability concerns, Tagovailoa made significant changes to his offseason regimen, including weight adjustments and participating in a jiu-jitsu program to learn how to fall safely. His dedication to improving his physical condition and mobility was evident, with head coach Mike McDaniel describing him as “svelte” and praising his enhanced ability to extend plays. Tagovailoa’s commitment to self-improvement further solidifies his case for a substantial contract.
Teammates, including wide receiver Tyreek Hill, have been vocal about their support for Tagovailoa’s payday. Hill compared Tagovailoa’s situation to that of other top quarterbacks, emphasizing his continuous improvement and leadership. “Tua should’ve been paid, man. I’ve been saying this all offseason,” Hill stated, confident in the front office’s ability to finalize the deal.
As the start of the regular season approaches, the Dolphins and Tagovailoa are under pressure to finalize the contract. Tagovailoa, who participated in mandatory minicamp but limited his involvement to 7-on-7 drills, expressed a desire to conclude the negotiations. “Just want to get something done,” he said, reflecting a sense of urgency shared by fans and teammates alike. With both sides aiming to reach an agreement, the focus remains on ensuring Tagovailoa’s future with the Dolphins is secured.
