Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Dolphins, Tua Tagovailoa moving toward extension?

By Sam Minton | Last updated 5/5/24

As the Miami Dolphins continue to add offensive weapons to their roster, the organization has now turned its focus to re-signing one of their most important offensive players. That is the correct choice.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Dolphins have "got the ball rolling" on contract negotiations with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

"The Dolphins have at least got the ball rolling," Fowler said on SportsCenter. "Typically what happens is, team makes a contract offer, player counters and then they go from there and see if they can find a sweet spot. The next three months will be crucial. My sense is this is not something that has graduated to imminent, but the Dolphins are pretty committed to this. Their actions this offseason say that they are going to pay him. They scaled back a lot of the big-money contracts, cutting players like Xavien Howard, so they want to do this. They wanted Tua to prove that he could have a fully healthy season and produce and he did that."

Tagovailoa had a promising 2023 season. He threw for 4,624 yards, 29 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. It was the most yards that the 26-year-old has thrown in a single season in his career.

The quarterback was able to build chemistry with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, who both eclipsed 1000 yards last season. With Miami recently signing Odell Beckham Jr., the Dolphins offense is primed for more success in 2024.

Considering Tagovailoa's age and relative success, the smart decision for the Dolphins is to sign him to a long-term deal. While his 32-19 record leaves a lot to be desired, the quarterback is coming into his own.

The Dolphins can simply look across the division to see how good they have it with Tagovailoa. Patriots fans would be ecstatic to have the 26-year-old under center in New England.

With Waddle's contract expiring in 2026, and Hill in 2027, Miami's key offensive players are sticking with the Dolphins for the long-term. By signing Tagovailoa to a long-term deal, Miami will be in the best position to make a run for a Super Bowl.

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