The Miami Dolphins are at a pivotal decision point with their quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, and general manager Chris Grier is navigating tricky waters that could define the team’s future in the AFC East. Amidst debates around Tagovailoa’s deservedness for extension, one fact is undeniable: restarting the search for a franchise quarterback would set the Dolphins back substantially.
Understanding Tagovailoa’s value and determining his worth is central to the Dolphins’ strategy. If Grier concludes that Tagovailoa does not meet elite NFL quarterback standards, the team might play him through 2024 before moving in a different direction. However, if the team deems him capable, agreeing to his salary demands, which in today’s NFL market are relatively modest, is sensible.
The scenario of quarterback compensation was notably influenced when Trevor Lawrence secured a lucrative contract on par with Joe Burrow, effectively altering market expectations. This shift has complicated negotiations for Tagovailoa, potentially costing the Dolphins if Grier had acted sooner, perhaps right after Jared Goff’s deal. Now, with each passing moment, the financial stakes climb higher.
While the Dolphins could use the franchise tag on Tagovailoa for 2025, it’s fraught with risks including a potential holdout. Finding a replacement who fits as well into coach Mike McDaniel’s scheme as Tagovailoa does seems both unrealistic and impractical.
If Tagovailoa’s performances in the upcoming season outshine his previous records, his price tag will inevitably rise. Conversely, poor performances or injuries could plummet his value, leaving Miami in a quarterback quandary.
It’s fair to say Tagovailoa isn’t the greatest Dolphins quarterback ever, but he’s arguably the best since the era of Dan Marino. The team’s subpar draft history and current market options do little to endorse a strategy away from Tagovailoa. Moreover, forthcoming quarterbacks will demand substantial contracts, reinforcing Tagovailoa’s practical fit for the Dolphins.
Playing hardball could prove detrimental for the Dolphins. While Grier’s hesitance over investing heavily in a player with a concerning concussion history and limited fully healthy seasons is understandable, the absence of a solid alternative strategy is a significant gamble.
The Dolphins’ reliance on Tagovailoa’s unique dynamics and suitability under McDaniel’s methodology means his presence on the field is pivotal. Should he choose to sit out, Grier and the Dolphins would face a complex web of difficult decisions.
In essence, it would be more prudent for Miami to secure their current quarterback to a fair, market-value contract rather than navigate the uncertain and often treacherous waters of finding and developing a new quarterback leader.