Chris Grier, the general manager of the Miami Dolphins, might have executed one of the smartest waits in NFL contract history. After several tense weeks, Grier has secured Miami’s star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa with a stunning four-year contract extension valued at up to $212.4 million.
The new deal ensures $167.1 million in guaranteed money for Tagovailoa, breaking down to an impressive $53.1 million per year. But the contract doesn’t stop there; it includes performance-based incentives related to playoff achievements that could boost Tagovailoa’s annual earnings to as high as $55.35 million.
These incentives, as explained by Ian Rapoport on NFL Network, are pegged on Tagovailoa’s success in the postseason, underscoring the Dolphins’ high expectations for him to excel in playoff scenarios:
“I’ll add something else, the incentives for this deal, which are based on his playoff performance and playoff wins, can take this deal up to $55.35 million per year. A massive, massive day for Tua.”
Despite the delayed negotiations, which caused a noticeable absence of Tagovailoa during the initial days of training camp, his value was undeniable, especially after he kicked off Day 3 with a breathtaking 70-yard touchdown pass to Tyreek Hill. This spectacular play was a vivid reminder of Tagovailoa’s critical role within the Dolphins’ squad.
Last season, Tagovailoa topped the NFL in passing yards, a stat that undoubtedly played a significant role in hastening the fruition of this lucrative deal. With this contract, Grier has affirmed his confidence in Tagovailoa’s continued upward trajectory and pivotal contribution to the team.
Though the wait caused widespread anxiety among fans and analysts alike, the agreement has been well-received as a strategic success by the Dolphins’ front office. Everyone involved is hopeful that Tagovailoa will meet and even exceed the playoff performances needed to hit those substantial incentives, further enhancing his already considerable earnings from this deal.