Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa’s serious take on contract extension talks after playoff loss
This offseason, the Miami Dolphins must make a huge decision about Tua Tagovailoa.
The Miami Dolphins’ dreams of participating in their first Super Bowl since 1985 fizzled out in Kansas City on Saturday night, after a promising start to the 2023 season. Given how terribly cold it was at Arrowhead Stadium during the Dolphins’ 26-7 loss to the Chiefs, perhaps it’s more realistic to say that Miami’s Super Bowl hopes froze over, much like Andy Reid’s mustache. In any case, weather jokes aside, Miami now enters the 2024 offseason, with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s contract extension being the most important development to watch.
Tua Tagovailoa, like Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert, was drafted among the top 10 picks in the 2020 NFL Draft, but has yet to sign a long-term contract extension. Tua was asked about the status of his extension after the Chiefs loss – a terrible game for the league’s leading passer, who threw for only 199 yards, only his third game of the season with less than 200 passing yards.
“I don’t feel any pressure at all,” Tua told the Palm Beach Post’s Joe Schad. “I am completely confident in what I can do for this franchise.” I’m not concerned right now.”
Tua has led the Miami Dolphins to consecutive postseason appearances for the first time in more than twenty years. Tua has thrown for 8,172 yards, 54 touchdowns to only 22 interceptions in the last two seasons, completed 67% of his passes, and won 19 of his 30 starts.
When asked about a contract extension before the season, Tagovailoa said, “I think for myself, I’m always a person who wants to prove to myself that I deserve whatever I get.” As a result, I believe that this is something for which I must strive. It’s as straightforward as that.” (With thanks to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk).
Personally, I believe Tua has more than earned the extension, but ultimately, my opinion is irrelevant. Someone whose opinion matters is Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, who expressed more about Tua’s inclusion in the Miami Dolphins’ long-term intentions in four words than I could in 400.
“He’s my guy, man.” (With thanks to Joe Schad of the Palm Beach Post).
If Mike McDaniel feels the same way, a deal will be struck soon.
