Miami Dolphins' plans for extending Tua Tagovailoa are a little bit clearer after latest report
The Miami Dolphins and star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa are working on a contract extension as the offseason progresses. However, the offseason is slow, and these particular negotiations have been equally so. As such, Dolphins fans have been rapping their fingers on their desks while waiting for some news regarding progress on an agreement. Of course, given […]
The Miami Dolphins and star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa are working on a contract extension as the offseason progresses. However, the offseason is slow, and these particular negotiations have been equally so.
As such, Dolphins fans have been rapping their fingers on their desks while waiting for some news regarding progress on an agreement. Of course, given the split nature of those in favor of and against giving Tua a contract north of $50 million per year (which is likely what it will take to lock him in), there are those that are waiting eagerly and others with dread.
When it comes to the prioritization and timing of the extension, some clarity was provided on Wednesday. Per Touchdown Wire's Jarrett Bailey, the Dolphins want to get deals done with both Tagovailoa and Jaylen Waddle but are prioritizing the former, first. However, it's also important to note that one foot doesn't have to come first. Meaning, there's always a chance Waddle gets extended before Tua, simply because the latter's contract will certainly be harder to work out.
The Miami Dolphins have several financial decisions to make in the near future, and it appears that their quarterback and star receiver are both part of their long-term plans.
A source tells Touchdown Wire that the Dolphins want to ink quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to an extension before doing the same with wide receiver Jaylen Waddle.
There has been a lot of speculation around if and when the Dolphins would pay the former first-round quarterback, especially after Jared Goff was given a four-year extension worth $212 million with $170 million fully guaranteed. – Jarrett Bailey, Touchdown Wire
While neither player is technically due a new deal this offseason as both are under contract – Tua on his fifth-year rookie option and Waddle in the fourth year of his rookie deal – it's imperative the Dolphins get both done sooner than later.
Many pundits have looked at the Goff deal as a comparable one for what Tagovailoa should ultimately receive from the Dolphins, including agent Drew Rosenhaus. It's not crazy, as the numbers between Goff and Tagovailoa over the last two seasons on a per game average are very similar.
And it makes sense for obvious reasons why you'd want to lock up Tagovailoa first. It's the most important position on the field, and one that will require the most money and cap space. It makes sense for general manager Chris Grier to get those things locked into place and know what Miami's cap is going to look like afterwards before he turns to other areas.
The Dolphins have seen what can happen when a player bets on himself and wins. DT Christian Wilkins did that last season. After being unable to reach an extension with Miami during the 2023 offseason, he delivered a nine-sack season that led to a $110 million contract from the Las Vegas Raiders back in March.
As such, it would behoove general manager Chris Grier to get deals done with both of his offensive stars. And, it appears, that will begin with his franchise quarterback.
Update: The Dolphins, in fact, extended Waddle on Thursday. It's a three-year, $84.75 million contract that includes $76 million guaranteed, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
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