Dolphins and Tua appear closer to tying the knot, but foundation must be fixed
The Miami Dolphins and their star QB Tua Tagovailoa seem to be making some progress towards reaching a long-term agreement. Tagovailoa met with the media on Friday and discussed where things stand on contract talks between himself and the Dolphins. ""There's been communication," he told ESPN's Marcel Louis-Jacques. "I think the thing with that right […]
The Miami Dolphins and their star QB Tua Tagovailoa seem to be making some progress towards reaching a long-term agreement.
Tagovailoa met with the media on Friday and discussed where things stand on contract talks between himself and the Dolphins.
""There's been communication," he told ESPN's Marcel Louis-Jacques. "I think the thing with that right now is I'm just letting the team talk to my agent and let them work that out."
Also per Louis-Jacques, Tagovailoa said to Pro Football Network that he expects to sign an extension this offseason.
The desire of the Dolphins to bring back their starting QB long term isn't a surprising one. Tagovailoa had an overall strong season, throwing for a league-leading 4624 yards to go with 29 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. Perhaps most importantly, he played in every game of the season for the first time in his career.
However, while the financial commitment to Tagovailoa will be significant, Dolphins general manager Chris Grier must prioritize two things this offseason that will be key to building a better foundation for Tagovailoa and the team to have success.
The first is building a wall in front of him. The Dolphins' offensive line is set at tackle, with Terron Armstead and Austin Jackson under contract. Jackson had an incredible bounce back season in 2023, earning a mid-season extension.
However, all three interior offensive linemen who started Week 1 are all unrestricted free agents: Isaiah Wynn, Connor Williams, and Robert Hunt. Williams played well enough to earn a significant contract from someone this offseason. However, he suffered a torn ACL against the Tennessee Titans and might not be ready for the start of the season. Wynn only played in 7 games, so his performance is incomplete. Hunt – the team's second round draft pick from 2020 – likely has earned a second contract with Miami.
Whichever direction they go in free agency, finding an interior offensive lineman (or two) early in the draft should be high on Grier's wish list.
As should finding quality depth across the roster. The Dolphins have had two straight late season drop offs. That's no coincidence with the massive wave of injuries both years. The next man up mantra only goes so far. Grier did a good job finding players like Wynn and DeShon Elliott on one-year deals last offseason. Finding good reserves and competition for starting jobs on prove it deals will be key again.
Tua has shown that he can be an electric player when everything around him is good. That's worth banking on. But it's what else Grier does in March and April that will tell the tale on the Dolphins' 2024 season.
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