The Dolphins and Tua Tagovailoa have kicked off extension talks. General manager Chris Grier told NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe that the two sides have engaged in positive and “ongoing” discussions surrounding a new contract.
[RELATED: QB Tua Tagovailoa Expects To Remain With Dolphins Long-Term]
With the former first-round pick set to enter the final year of his rookie contract, an extension had been described as the most “consequential matter” in Miami. The last we heard, an agreement wasn’t imminent and there was “no rush” to finalize a deal. Indeed, Grier confirmed there’s no deadline on extension talks, with both sides understanding that the current focus is on the draft.
However, there were rumblings earlier this offseason that both the Dolphins and Tagovailoa’s camp were hoping for speedy negotiations. There was a general sentiment that everybody wanted to avoid “a storyline that hangs over training camp or the regular season.” The two sides can still accomplish that goal; when the draft ends next weekend, there will still be three months until the start of training camp.
Both the Dolphins and Tagovailoa have publicly endorsed a long-term deal. While the player’s health and the rising cost of QB contracts will complicate negotiations, it’s sounded like the two sides have generally been on the same page. Indeed, Wolfe notes that the Dolphins are preparing for a Tagovailoa-led future via this year’s draft, with the team potentially targeting offensive linemen with their two top-100 picks.
Tagovailoa has been working this offseason to repeat a standout 2023 campaign that saw him stay healthy for the first time in his career. Wolfe notes that the QB has dropped his weight down to 220 pounds, a decrease from his 235-pound playing weight last year.
Tua is the next guy to break the record for most dead cap taken on in a trade or cut
Everybody in the AFC hopes the Dolphins drop that bag on Tua….. please,… please get it done
Tua going to get paid because that is the standard for the next person. He shouldn’t be highest paid but he will get up there.
Mahomes is the clear top QB
Burrows is right to get paid as a top guy.
Lamar
Then you kind of have a mix of Allen, Dak, Herbert, Cousins, etc. Tua does somethings better than those guys.
All were outplayed by Stroud and Purdy who are on lesser deals.
I wonder if negotiations include guaranteeing little bro a backup QB spot?
Unfortunately, these QB contracts typically come down not to, “is he good enough for this contract,” but to, “we don’t really have anyone else.”