NFL Rumors: Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins ‘Not Particularly Close’ on Contract Extension

Scott Polacek@@ScottPolacekFeatured Columnist IVMay 20, 2024

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The Miami Dolphins and Tua Tagovailoa are reportedly working toward a contract extension as the quarterback approaches the final year of his current deal, but there is still plenty of work to be done even though he is present at OTAs.

“The fact that he’s there is a good start,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported during Monday’s NFL Live. “Both sides would like to see if they can find a way to get a contract extension worked out. There’s really no reason for Tua to stay away from the team during OTAs when this team is fully behind him while they are trying to get a contract worked out.

“My understanding is it’s not particularly close at this point in time. But both sides would like to get this deal done, wrapped up as soon as possible, you would think before the season would begin.”

That he is present at OTAs is a step in the right direction, as Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported he skipped the majority of the Dolphins’ voluntary offseason work because the contract talks had stalled.

Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network added more context to the situation:

Cameron Wolfe @CameronWolfeTua Tagovailoa was on field throwing/practicing as normal today for Dolphins OTAs, the 1st day of 11-on-11 spring practice. Step away from panic button, Dolphins fans.

From @nflnetwork The Insiders: Tua’s busy offseason, ongoing contract talks & why there isn’t much concern now: pic.twitter.com/I292xheiL0

There is a degree of urgency, as he is currently slated to play on the $23.2 million fifth-year option on his rookie contract in 2024 ahead of potential unrestricted free agency.

However, Miami could always use the franchise tag to keep him on the team through the 2025 campaign if absolutely necessary, which takes away some of the pressure that would normally happen with a strict deadline.

Perhaps there has been some concern from the team’s perspective regarding Tagovailoa’s health after he suffered multiple concussions and was unable to play in Miami’s postseason game during the 2022 campaign.

However, he eliminated some of that worry last season when he appeared in all 17 games and the playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He also turned in a career season by completing 69.3 percent of his passes for 4,624 yards, 29 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.

NFL @NFLTUA AND TYREEK GET IT DONE AGAIN 🐬

📺: #MIAvsPHI on NBC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/0rIJPFKW6L pic.twitter.com/titpWvGyL6

Tagovailoa led the entire league in passing yards and had clear chemistry with wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.

Continuing that chemistry for years to come would require a contract extension, and Schefter’s comments indicated the Dolphins eventually want to come to terms on one. There is still time to close the gap in negotiations with the season months away, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if both sides did just that as September approaches.

For now, though, there remains uncertainty about the quarterback’s long-term future with the only NFL team he has ever known.