The Miami Dolphins ended the 2023 season in disappointing fashion. They gave up the AFC East lead in the final week of the season to the Buffalo Bills and then lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the wild card round of the playoffs.
As a result, this led to speculation as to whether the team would go all-in on key players in their offense. This includes QB Tua Tagovailoa. Now, Tagovailoa provides some clarity as to what he is expecting for his next contract.
Tua Tagovailoa Says “The Market Is the Market”
![BREAKING: Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa Says "The Market Is the Market" When Discussing Possible Contract Extension 1 USATSI 22200672 scaled e1712166398233](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/USATSI_22200672-scaled-e1712166398233.jpg)
This morning, Tagovailoa was asked about Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff’s recent contract extension. Goff is now making $53 million annually and the reporter asked Tagovailoa whether that new contract set a benchmark for NFL quarterbacks like him. This is what Tua had to say:
“The market is the market. If we didn’t have a market, none of that would matter. That’s what I would say. The market is the market.” -Tua Tagovailoa
Jaylen Waddle’s Contract Extension
![BREAKING: Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa Says "The Market Is the Market" When Discussing Possible Contract Extension 2 Jaylen Waddle Miami Dolphins Raheem Mostert](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/USATSI_22126516_168400517_lowres-e1707778670683.jpg)
What makes this a little more awkward is that Tua’s teammate, WR Jaylen Waddle, already received a major contract extension. This extension was worth nearly $85 million over the next three years.
It also makes Waddle one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the NFL. One important note here is when both Tua and Waddle were drafted.
Both used to be teammates at Alabama. However, Tua was drafted in 2020 and Waddle was drafted in 2021. Yet, Waddle received a contract extension before Tua did.
Are Tua Tagovailoa and Jared Goff Similar?
![BREAKING: Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa Says "The Market Is the Market" When Discussing Possible Contract Extension 3 Detroit Lions Jared Goff](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/USATSI_22199503_168400517_lowres-e1704033111217.jpg)
As mentioned above, Tua said, “The market is the market.” When you take a look at the stats for the Dolphins and Lions last season, you start to get a better idea of what Tua means by this.
For starters, the Dolphins and Lions were first and second in passing yards per game in 2023 respectively. Miami also averaged more points per game (29.2) compared to Detroit (27.1). Yet, Goff already received a massive contract extension from the Lions worth $53 million annually.
Miami Dolphins and Tua Tagovailoa Moving Forward
![BREAKING: Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa Says "The Market Is the Market" When Discussing Possible Contract Extension 4 Miami Dolphins](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/USATSI_22027654-e1701812828275.jpg)
So, will the Dolphins and Tua come to an agreement similar to the Lions and Goff? Well, the Dolphins already picked up the fifth year of his contract which is worth over $23 million. Plus, Miami has the option to place the franchise tag on Tagovailoa in 2025. We will have to see if these two sides reach a long-term agreement before then.
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1 Comment
Yet, at the end of the season, when the Lions needed clutch performance, Goff delivered. Tua had two opportunities to be clutch at the end of the regular season and didnt do it. EDGE: Goff