Pro Bowl Cornerback Jalen Ramsey Makes Public Plea for Dolphins to Extend Tua Tagovailoa’s Contract
In a remarkable display of support for his teammate, Miami Dolphins’ star cornerback Jalen Ramsey has taken to social media to advocate for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s contract extension. Showcasing his solidarity in a post-golf round celebration, Ramsey wrote a clear message on the scorecard saying “Pay Tua!!!!!” — a gesture that speaks volumes of his backing for Tagovailoa’s financial recognition.
The photo, which Ramsey posted on Instagram, captured a moment between him and Tagovailoa, highlighting not only their camaraderie but Ramsey’s push for the quarterback’s lucrative deal. As Tagovailoa gears up to play under his fifth-year option in the 2024 season, the move by Ramsey underscores a growing sentiment around the league that Tagovailoa is overdue for a significant pay raise.
Tagovailoa is set to earn $23.17 million next season, a figure guaranteed under his current contract. However, this amount falls short of the anticipated market valuation, which places his worth just shy of $50 million annually. This discrepancy comes into sharper focus when comparing Tagovailoa’s situation with that of his peers, Justin Herbert and Joe Burrow, who hail from the same 2020 draft class and have secured extensions that pay them $52 million and $55 million per annum, respectively.
The call for a new deal seems justifiable, considering Tagovailoa’s performance last season which earned him his inaugural passing title and Pro Bowl selection. Achieving career peaks in touchdown passes (29) and completion percentage (69.3%), Tagovailoa’s progression is evident and deserving of a contractual upgrade according to Ramsey’s gesture.
Despite Tagovailoa’s accolades, the Dolphins have yet to commit to a long-term deal, seemingly awaiting further proof of his capabilities. Nevertheless, with the addition of Odell Beckham Jr. to an already talent-rich offense, Tagovailoa is well-positioned to replicate, if not surpass, his previous season’s success.
Beyond the contract campaign, Ramsey’s post disclosed another interesting tidbit — Tagovailoa’s adeptness at golf. Outplaying Ramsey by eight strokes with a commendable score of 86 over 18 holes, Tagovailoa demonstrated skills that even outshined golf legend Jack Nicklaus’s recent performance at Augusta National, emphasizing Tagovailoa’s versatility and competitive nature across sports fronts.
As the Dolphins ponder Tagovailoa’s future, Ramsey’s public endorsement not only puts the spotlight on the quarterback’s on-field achievements but also emphasizes the strong support system within the team, advocating for the recognition and reward of talent when it’s due.