The Miami Dolphins find themselves at a crucial juncture in deciding the future of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, and according to one analyst, they are likely to make a “reasonable” choice.
Despite Tagovailoa’s notable achievements in leading the league in passing yards and securing a Pro Bowl nod in the previous season, lingering concerns persist about his durability and his ability to elevate the team’s performance. Although General Manager Chris Grier has expressed the team’s desire to keep Tagovailoa in Miami for the “long term,” Adam H. Beasley of Pro Football Network predicts that the Dolphins will exercise caution and refrain from offering him a mega deal similar to the one received by Joe Burrow.
This suggests that the Dolphins may take a measured approach in assessing Tagovailoa’s long-term potential, considering factors beyond his recent on-field accomplishments. The decision may be influenced by a balance between acknowledging Tagovailoa’s talent and addressing reservations about his consistency and capability to propel the team to higher levels of success.
Dolphins Predicted to Give Reasonable Deal With an Out
During his season-ending press conference, Dolphins head coach Brian Flores mentioned ongoing communication with Tua Tagovailoa’s agent regarding a potential contract extension. Tagovailoa recently concluded his fourth NFL season, and despite earning early-season MVP consideration, the team faced challenges in the latter part of the season, losing three of their last five games and exiting in the wild-card round after holding a three-game division lead.
Adam H. Beasley predicts that the Dolphins will have a favorable position in contract negotiations with Tagovailoa. The team holds the option to retain Tagovailoa’s rights for the next three years at a cost of $135 million, facilitated by a fifth-year option and the potential application of two franchise tags. This leverage provides the Dolphins with a strategic advantage in negotiations, allowing them to secure a deal that aligns with their long-term plans while also considering Tagovailoa’s performance and potential for growth.
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According to Adam H. Beasley, the Dolphins are expected to pursue a contract for Tua Tagovailoa that is more reasonable than Joe Burrow’s massive five-year, $275 million extension. Beasley suggests a smaller yet significant commitment, proposing a four-year deal worth $180 million with $100 million guaranteed. This structure allows the Dolphins some flexibility, providing a moderately challenging exit after the 2025 season.
Comparing this proposed deal to inflation-adjusted contracts, Beasley aligns it with the contracts of Matthew Stafford ($46.6 million average annual value, or AAV, based on the expected salary cap in 2024) and Daniel Jones ($43.2 million). This approach aims to strike a balance between recognizing Tagovailoa’s potential and performance while maintaining financial prudence.
The Dolphins, facing other financial decisions this offseason, need to allocate their resources wisely, with key players like defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, and linemen Connor Williams and Robert Hunt heading to free agency. General Manager Chris Grier expressed optimism about retaining key pieces, indicating a goal to keep as many valuable players as possible for the upcoming season.
Mike McDaniel Speaks Out on Tua
While there is no specific timeline for a contract extension, the Dolphins have consistently expressed their commitment to Tua Tagovailoa. During the season-ending press conference, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel acknowledged Tagovailoa’s growth and improvement but emphasized the desire to see more from the 25-year-old quarterback.
McDaniel praised Tagovailoa’s continuous exponential growth but highlighted the importance of further development. He mentioned that, despite some results not meeting expectations, Tagovailoa has consistently learned from his experiences. McDaniel commended Tagovailoa as an exceptional learner, emphasizing the quarterback’s ability to absorb lessons and apply them to his game. This suggests that the Dolphins are optimistic about Tagovailoa’s potential and are looking for continued progress in his performance.