Miami Dolphins’ Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s contract discussions have become a focal point as the player expressed his eagerness for a new deal amidst ongoing negotiations with the team. Speaking earlier this month after the team’s initial minicamp session, Tagovailoa conveyed his “antsiness” regarding the progress of talks aimed at securing his future with the franchise.
ESPN’s Jeff Darlington shared insights into the contract dilemma facing the Dolphins during an appearance on NFL Live. According to Darlington, the organization is hesitant to align Tagovailoa’s contract with the market-defining figures agreed upon by quarterbacks such as Jared Goff of the Detroit Lions and Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Highlighting the intricacies of the situation, Darlington pointed out that the precedent set by Goff’s deal, and subsequently surpassed by Lawrence, has created a challenging scenario for Miami. “The Dolphins are not presently willing to match the market rate established by these high-profile agreements,” he explained. Darlington reinforced the idea that the Dolphins’ offer does not come close to what has been deemed market value, indicative of a significant gap in the ongoing negotiations.
Recent contracts in the league have set a new standard, with Goff securing a four-year, $212 million extension from the Lions, and Lawrence signing a five-year, $275 million contract with the Jaguars. These deals amount to annual average values (AAV) of $53 million and $55 million respectively, establishing a benchmark that Miami seems reluctant to meet for Tagovailoa.
Tagovailoa himself acknowledged the evolving quarterback market, underscored by significant contracts being awarded to his contemporaries. With the Dolphins having exercised the fifth-year option on Tagovailoa’s rookie contract, the timing and outcome of these negotiations loom large over both parties’ futures. Set to enter the last year of his initial NFL agreement in 2024, the stakes for reaching a long-term extension have never been higher for the Hawaii native.
The 2023 season saw Tagovailoa lead the league in passing yards, amassing 4,624, alongside 29 touchdown passes and a 69.3 completion percentage. This performance propelled him to his first Pro Bowl and led Miami to a playoff berth, although their campaign was ultimately halted by the Kansas City Chiefs.
However, concerns linger regarding Tagovailoa’s health, particularly after sustaining three concussions during the 2022 season. Nevertheless, his complete participation in the subsequent season underscored a resilient return to form.
The Dolphins’ reluctance in these negotiations risks exacerbating the difficulty of securing Tagovailoa’s signature amid a soaring quarterback market and ahead of what is perceived as a weak upcoming QB draft class. With the potential implications of letting Tagovailoa enter the market or applying a franchise tag, Miami finds itself in a precarious situation that could shape its immediate future in the league.