The Miami Dolphins are keen on keeping Tua Tagovailoa as their quarterback, according to insider Adam Schefter, but the agreement might hinge on reaching a new deal that suits both parties financially. As the quarterback market escalates dramatically, the challenge becomes finding the right price for Tagovailoa’s extension with the team.
Schefter highlights the rapidly changing quarterback market, particularly noting the impact of recent high-profile contracts for Jared Goff and Trevor Lawrence, which have significantly altered the landscape. With these deals setting new benchmarks, the expectations for Tagovailoa’s next contract are undoubtedly shifting.
According to a tweet from the NFL on ESPN, Schefter shared that the Dolphins are indeed interested in compensating Tagovailoa: “The Dolphins do ‘want to pay Tua’, they are just trying to figure out what is fair market value ” (tweeted on June 26, 2024).
Despite the desire to secure Tagovailoa for the foreseeable future, the NFL’s current climate of contract negotiations complicates matters. In an era where players and agents often seek to outdo the most recent high-profile deal, determining fair value becomes a more complex task. This environment has even impacted players who may not be considered elite but are positioned advantageously to command higher salaries due to timing.
The crux of the situation, as Schefter points out, is whether Tagovailoa is willing to accept a deal that falls short of the figures Lawrence and Goff have set. Miami’s General Manager Chris Grier must navigate these negotiations carefully, with the knowledge that upcoming deals for players like Jordan Love and Dak Prescott could further inflate the market, potentially increasing Tagovailoa’s demands.
There had been optimism about reaching an agreement before the new precedent set by Goff’s deal, but Lawrence’s more recent contract has further complicated discussions. Grier continues to stand by the Dolphins’ valuation of their quarterback, amid these evolving expectations.
The organization’s commitment to Tagovialoa appears strong, yet the financial realities of the NFL might necessitate tough decisions. If a mutually acceptable deal cannot be reached, Miami may have to consider alternative future plans at quarterback. As negotiations continue, Dolphins fans and the NFL community will undoubtedly watch closely, hoping for a resolution that keeps Tagovialoa in Miami for years to come.