Tua Tagovailoa has been gradually improving since breaking into the NFL, and he took his biggest step yet this season. That bodes well for his potential of blossoming into a franchise quarterback.
Tagovailoa played well enough this season to be in the MVP discussion, even though he and the Dolphins crashed and burned in the playoffs. The fourth-year quarterback long has been a polarizing figure, but he flourished this season in Miami’s high-flying, pass-happy offense.
The 25-year-old led the NFL with 4,624 passing yards this season, while also connecting for 29 touchdowns in the air. That came following a 2022 season in which he paced the NFL in touchdown percentage (6.3%) and QB rating (105.5).
Appearing on Another Dolphins Podcast, Dolphins legend Ricky Williams said Tagovailoa still has the potential to be a good player for a long time.
“I think the biggest skill for any football player, but especially quarterback, is the ability to improve from one year to the next, and that’s something that Tua has shown his whole career,” Williams said. “So I think as long as he stays on this trajectory and the coaching situation in Miami stays stable, I think Tua has a good shot to be a good quarterback for a long time.”
The endorsement from Williams comes at a time when there is some doubt about Tagovailoa’s long-term future in Miami. The Dolphins already picked up his fifth-year option, so he’s signed through next season. However, given his status as one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL, he’s all but certain to seek a long-term extension this offseason.