The Miami Dolphins have been negotiating with their star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa for a long term deal for the future. Tua played every game this past season, and his camp clearly expects the big bucks for his first contract after his rookie deal.
Tua has been almost entirely absent for the start of the Dolphins offseason programs and voluntary workouts as the quarterback wants a long term deal before the beginning of the 2024 season.
Tua Tagovailoa And Miami Dolphins Nearing Deal
It has already been reported, that Tagovailoa has turned down one of the offers that Miami has brought to the table, but it does seem that the two parties will reach a deal before the season.
Per Dianna Russini of The Athletic:
“Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa is in the building for the start of Dolphins OTAs, per source. The QB is slated to become the next quarterback to receive a big payday, but the sides are in negotiations. Tagovailoa said he was planning on attending the workouts.”
The top 5 draft pick is looking to cash in on his career sooner rather than later. He had some of the best numbers in the league in 2023, and was able to stay healthy all year long. The Dolphins however, know that Tua is just one huge hit away from perhaps calling it a career, so it is tough to put all the money in the hands of your quarterback if you do not know if he will play long term.
Tua was not great in his playoff game, but he showed at many points throughout the year that he is a very good franchise quarterback in the NFL. If Miami does not pay him, he will get big money somewhere else.
Playing in all 17 games, Tua finished the season with a league leading 4,624 yards, to go with 29 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. This all wasn’t enough in the end to get even one post season win last year though.
Miami got absolutely destroyed by the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs in the Wild Card round of the playoffs. They were blown out 26-7 in a game that Tua played very poorly. He finished with just 199 yards and 1 touchdown.
While Tua has already turned down one offer from the team but the fact that he is in the building for OTAs shows that a deal should be coming soon and there are no plans for him to hold out to begin the season.