Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
One of the lingering matters surrounding the Miami Dolphins this offseason is a potential Tua Tagovailoa extension. The organization and its star quarterback have not yet agreed on a deal.
However, NFL insider Jeremy Fowler offered an optimistic update for fans who want to see the 26-year-old stay in Miami for several more years.
“I’m told that negotiations have begun in earnest,” Fowler said regarding where things stand between the two parties. “The Dolphins have at least gotten the ball rolling. Typically, what happens is team makes the contract offer, the player counters and then they go from there and see if they can find a sweet spot. So, the next three months will be crucial. My sense is this has not graduated to something that’s imminent, but the Dolphins are pretty committed to this. Their actions this offseason say that they’re going to pay him.”
Per Fowler, the fact that Miami has scaled back some of its previous big-money contracts and let go of players like Xavien Howard makes it look like the Dolphins are prepared to give Tagovailoa a major deal.
It’s worth noting, though, that based on the insider’s update on the contract talks a few weeks ago, the Hawaii native might not get a deal as sizable as what Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert received from their respective franchises.
Still, Tagovailoa is likely in line for a huge payday, especially after proving last season that he can stay healthy for an entire campaign. He played in 17 games, leading the NFL in passing yards and headlining a Dolphins offense that averaged the second-most points per game (29.2). The quarterback also played a key role in Tyreek Hill ending the regular season as the league’s receiving leader with 1,799 yards.
Unfortunately, Miami sputtered late in the regular season, losing three of its last five matches to cede the division crown to the Buffalo Bills and enter the playoffs as the AFC’s No. 6 seed. A loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the wild card round eliminated the Dolphins from the playoffs.
This offseason, the team has given Tagovailoa even more weapons on the field. It has agreed to a deal with Odell Beckham Jr., who rejected the chance to earn more elsewhere, to join the wide receiver corps headlined by Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Miami also drafted promising speedster in Jaylen Wright, who recently issued a scary warning to the league.
Only time will tell how Tagovailoa’s extension talks with the Dolphins play out. But he is probably looking forward to leading their offense once more.