The Miami Dolphins already have hitched their wagon to Tua Tagovailoa for 2024. But just how committed they are to the quarterback long term is something we’ll likely learn this offseason.
Miami picked up Tagovailoa’s fifth-year option prior to last season, meaning he’s signed for just north of $23 million for next season. He’s in line to become a free agent after that, but with the way the market has moved for upper-level quarterbacks in recent years, he’s likely to seek an extension this offseason.
Tagovailoa is coming off his best season as a pro, but crashed down the stretch and was a mess in the Dolphins’ ugly, season-ending loss to the Chiefs on Saturday. It was hardly an opportune time to crater given his camp is about to make the case that he belongs among the league’s highest-paid players.
WQAM’s Joe Rose said Monday that he wouldn’t be extending Tagovailoa if he was Chris Grier.
“They’ve got to make some tough decisions,” Rose said. “I’ve gotta tell you, let me be the first to tell you, he ain’t getting a new contract (if it were) me. The extension, he’s got $23 (million he’ll make in 2024), he’s the best you have right now. I’m not saying get rid of him, he had a Pro Bowl year. He's at the top when you look at regular season stats, but you’ve seen what happens.
“That’s really up to Chris and Mike, and I’m sure that contract is going to be a question, one or two, today. I know Mike loves Tua, I know he loves him. He’s rehabbed him to one of the greatest turnarounds we’ve seen. He’s played every game and put up overall really good numbers. But, boy, I’ll tell you what, watching the last few weeks, you didn’t see it. You just did not see it, really frustrating.”
Tagovailoa finished his regular season with a league-leading 4,624 passing yards, with 29 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. He went 20-for-39 for 199 yards with a touchdown and interception in the playoff loss.