Tua Tagovailoa has been mostly absent from Dolphins activities as Miami QB looks for big next contract –
Miami Dolphins’ Star QB Tua Tagovailoa Seeks Lucrative Long-Term Deal
Tua Tagovailoa, the Miami Dolphins’ starting quarterback, has been conspicuously absent from most of the team’s voluntary organized team activities (OTAs) over the past month. Sources close to the situation suggest that Tagovailoa’s absence is directly related to his ongoing contract negotiations with the Dolphins.
The 25-year-old quarterback, who was the fifth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, is set to play the 2024 season on his fifth-year option, worth $23.171 million. However, Tagovailoa and his representatives are seeking a long-term contract extension that reflects his status as the Dolphins’ franchise quarterback.
🎥 Odell Beckham Jr. on playing with Tua Tagovailoa: “They were just telling me how accurate he is, how good of a ball he throws, all of those things. I’m super excited about it. I met him today, great person, seems like his energy is just infectious.” (@MiamiDolphins) #GoFins pic.twitter.com/cXAXLjY7j2
— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) May 17, 2024
Tagovailoa’s Absence a Potential Negotiation Tactic
Tagovailoa’s absence from voluntary workouts is a stark contrast from his first four seasons in the league, during which he was present for most of the voluntary offseason activities. This change in behavior has led many to speculate that it is a negotiation tactic aimed at securing a more lucrative contract.
“Like we said, we wouldn’t talk throughout the season in terms of contract stuff, but we’ve stayed in touch with his agent and had good conversations throughout the year,” Dolphins general manager Chris Grier told reporters in January. “The goal is to have him here long-term playing at a high level. That’s always the goal, and we’ll continue to communicate with him through the offseason here.”
Potential Contract Terms for Tua Tagovailoa
In today’s NFL, top-tier franchise quarterbacks command contracts in the range of $50 million per year, with significant guaranteed money. Tagovailoa’s current fifth-year option pays him less than half of that figure, with no security beyond the 2024 season.
Recent quarterback contracts, such as those signed by Jalen Hurts, Lamar Jackson, and Justin Herbert, have set new benchmarks in terms of average annual value and guaranteed money. Joe Burrow’s five-year, $275 million contract with $219 million in guarantees currently tops the quarterback salary rankings.
Durability Concerns and Performance Evaluation
While Tagovailoa’s talent and potential are undeniable, concerns about his durability have been a factor in contract negotiations. He has dealt with various injuries throughout his college and professional career, including concussions that prompted changes to the league’s concussion protocol in 2022.
However, Tagovailoa’s dedication to improving his on-field safety, such as practicing jiu-jitsu to learn how to protect himself better when falling, paid off last season. He played in all 17 games for the first time in his career, passing for a career-high 4,624 yards and making his first Pro Bowl appearance.
“The Dolphins don’t have to reach a deal with Tagovailoa this offseason. They have the franchise tag in 2025 at their disposal, though it’s projected to cost more than $40 million for the 2025 season,” said an NFL insider familiar with the situation.
📊 Most passing yards in the NFL in the last two seasons:
1. Patrick Mahomes (9,433)
2. Jared Goff (9,013)
3. Josh Allen (8,589)
4. Tua Tagovailoa (8,172)
5. Trevor Lawrence (8,129)#GoFins pic.twitter.com/47RshkadWz— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) May 10, 2024
Potential Impact on Dolphins’ Roster
Signing Tagovailoa to a long-term contract could potentially free up cap space for the Dolphins to add more pieces and bolster their roster for a championship run. The team was up against the cap in the offseason, leading to bargain signings and the loss of quality players like defensive tackle Christian Wilkins and guard Robert Hunt.
Additionally, the Dolphins will need to consider extending players like Jaelan Phillips, Jaylen Waddle, and Jevon Holland in the near future, further complicating their salary cap situation.
“An argument for paying Tagovailoa would be to reduce his current cap hit so Miami could have more room to add pieces and become a championship contender,” explained an NFL salary cap expert. “But teams are sometimes wary of making too many signings before locking in their quarterback, fearing the message it could send to the locker room.”
Expert’s Take: “Tagovailoa’s absence from voluntary workouts is a calculated move to gain leverage in contract negotiations,” said football analyst Peter King. “Both parties understand the stakes, and it’s a delicate dance to find a deal that satisfies the Dolphins’ long-term aspirations while rewarding Tagovailoa’s potential as a franchise quarterback.”
Uncertainty Looms as Training Camp Approaches
As the Dolphins prepare to begin team drills on Monday, it remains unclear whether Tagovailoa will be a part of them. If his absence stretches into training camp, he could be subject to a $40,000 fine for every day he’s absent, although the Dolphins could reduce or waive the fine entirely.
The situation underscores the high-stakes nature of contract negotiations between teams and their franchise quarterbacks in the modern NFL. As the Dolphins and Tagovailoa continue their discussions, all eyes will be on how this saga unfolds and the potential ripple effects it may have on the team’s aspirations for the upcoming season.