Miami Dolphins’ Star Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in Contract Standoff, Possible Trade Scenarios Emerge
Tua Tagovailoa, the Miami Dolphins’ marquee quarterback, is continuing his holdout, with a potential trade on the horizon if his contract demands are not met. Insider sources note that the Dolphins have made an offer, but it was turned down as both parties aim for a long-term deal that remains elusive. With Tagovailoa eyeing what could be the league’s top contract, his current agreement, set at $23.1 million for the upcoming season—the last of his rookie contract—falls short of his expectations.
In the current quarterback market, $50 million per year has become the going rate for top talent, with players like Joe Burrow, Jared Goff, Justin Herbert, Lamar Jackson, and Jalen Hurts signing deals reaching or exceeding this benchmark in recent offseasons. Tagovailoa, whose performance last season included leading the NFL with 4,624 passing yards and 29 touchdowns and guiding the Dolphins to the playoffs, finds himself among these elite ranks. However, concerns linger regarding his ability to perform against top competition, as evidenced by the Dolphins’ disappointing 1-5 record against playoff teams last year, a factor that could impact Miami’s willingness to meet his hefty financial expectations.
Tagovailoa’s ongoing absence from team activities signals a serious negotiation impasse, raising questions about his participation in future mandatory camps and offseason activities. His absence from the Dolphins’ minicamp marks a departure from previous seasons and is widely interpreted as a strategy to leverage a better contract.
As the standoff persists, speculation about Tagovailoa’s future with the team intensifies, with the looming possibility of a franchise tag further complicating negotiations. Although the franchise tag could secure Tagovailoa for another season, it does not assure his presence at team practices, potentially incurring significant fines.
Amid salary cap challenges, the Dolphins might consider trade scenarios for their quarterback. Potential destinations include the New Orleans Saints, Dallas Cowboys, and surprisingly, the Carolina Panthers, each with varying degrees of quarterback needs and strategic outlooks for the coming seasons. The Saints and Cowboys, in particular, face uncertainties at the quarterback position that could make a trade for Tagovailoa an attractive solution.
As the Dolphins weigh their options, the prospect of trading Tagovailoa looms large, a move that could reshape the franchise’s future and the NFL landscape.