As the NFL landscape reacts to Detroit Lions’ Jared Goff becoming the second-highest-paid quarterback by average annual value, the spotlight now turns towards Tua Tagovailoa of the Miami Dolphins.
While Dallas Cowboys’ Dak Prescott is widely expected to top Goff’s contract, it’s Tagovailoa who might surprise everyone by securing a major deal first, having become extension-eligible this offseason.
According to ESPN’s Marcel Louis-Jacques, discussions between Tagovailoa and the Dolphins have shown mutual interest in striking a new contract.
However, the Dolphins are carefully strategizing to balance their investment with protective measures given Tagovailoa’s health concerns. The talented quarterback, drafted fifth overall in 2020, has missed significant playing time in his career, sitting out four games in two of his three seasons due to injuries.
Miami Dolphins Strategic Approach to Durability Concerns
The Dolphins’ front office is acutely aware of the risk involved in investing heavily in a player with Tagovailoa’s injury history. As a result, they are considering contract terms that would safeguard the team financially.
Signing bonus, base salary, workout bonus, per game roster bonuses—that’s something [the Dolphins are] going to want to put in the contract,” a contract adviser informed Louis-Jacques. Such structuring would provide the team some relief should Tagovailoa’s availability become a recurrent issue.
Despite these concerns, Tagovailoa’s performance when fit has been nothing short of stellar. Leading the league with a whopping 4,624 passing yards last season, he has demonstrated his capability and value.
After driving the Dolphins to their fourth consecutive winning season and a second playoff berth in a row, Tagovailoa is aiming for a contract that not only reflects his talent but also places him among the top earners in the league.
Miami Dolphins Win-Win Deal With Tua Tagovailoa
The Dolphins have already picked up Tagovailoa’s $23.17 million fifth-year option for 2024, a move that underscores their belief in his abilities. Yet, the real test will be crafting a contract that aligns the quarterback’s financial aspirations with the team’s need for fiscal prudence. As negotiations progress, it will be fascinating to see the final terms of Tagovailoa’s contract.
Will the Dolphins successfully integrate the suggested bonuses? And more importantly, will they strike a balance that satisfies both the financial and competitive ambitions of the team? As the preseason approaches, these questions will undoubtedly keep Dolphins fans and sports analysts on the edge of their seats.
