Miami Dolphins general manager Chris Grier talks to the media during a press conference at Baptist Health Training Complex on February 10, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)Getty Images
In South Florida, much of the NFL offseason has consisted of debates on whether quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has done enough to prove that he’s the Miami Dolphins’ long-term signal-caller. While some argue that Tagovailoa’s lack of playoff success is alarming, others are confident that a league-high 4,624 passing yards in 2023 is more than enough evidence.
General manager Chris Grier put an end to the debate on Tuesday, confirming that it’s not a matter of if the Dolphins extend Tagovailoa, it’s just a matter of when.
“We’re very happy with Tua,” Grier told reporters. All conversations of drafting a quarterback early can subside, as the general manager reassured that that’s not in store for the Dolphins. “[A quarterback] is not something I’m looking at in the first round. That’s not something we’ve talked about,” Grier explained.
As far as contract negotiations go, the two parties have maintained a steady line of communication as they work towards a deal that will likely pay the signal-caller near the $50 million range annually. For now, contract-related conversations will take a backseat as the NFL draft rapidly approaches.
In many instances, high-level players hold out as a negotiation tactic. This won’t be the case for the Dolphins’ quarterback, as he’s been present in the facilities over the past few days. Tagovailoa’s presence is a testament to his dedication, which only makes him more appealing to the franchise.
“He wants to be great. He’s trying to do everything he can to be great,” Grier said. “As Mike [McDaniel] has told you guys, we feel there is a whole other step he can take.”
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