The Miami Dolphins finally locked in their long-term quarterback. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins agreed to terms on a four-year $212.4 million contract extension Friday with $167 million guaranteed, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
This ends an offseason saga between Miami and its star quarterback. Tagovailoa due to the contract negotiations had limited himself through three practices at training camp. However, he participated in every drill at practice Friday — hours before his contract extension was announced.
Dolphins, Tagovailoa Agree to Franchise Historic Deal
Significance of This Deal
Besides the contract extension creating a clearer view for the organization with Tagovailoa, the deal is a historic one financially. The contract makes the Polynesian quarterback the highest-paid player ever in franchise history. The $212.4 million deal eclipsed the former highest-overall-paid Dolphins member as well. The title was held by former Miami cornerback Xavien Howard, who earned $86.59 million over his tenure in South Beach.
Tagovailoa now joins an exclusive group of active quarterbacks that are being paid over $200 million. This list includes Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence and Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert. Both quarterbacks, unlike Tagovailoa, have five-year extension deals.
The contract puts the Dolphins’ first-string quarterback in a third of the highest-paid annual salary for quarterbacks in the NFL. Tagovailoa will earn $53.1 million a year. This placed him behind Lawrence ($55 million) and Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow ($55 million).
A Chance to Prove Long-Term Doubts Wrong
The 2024 NFL passing yards leader has garnered a lot of doubts and criticism since his Wild Card game loss against the Kansas City Chief. Some felt that Tagovailoa long-term wouldn’t be able to bring playoff success to the Dolphins. Miami currently is in the longest active drought for a playoff win — last being in 2001.
Throughout his four-year career, the Dolphins 2020 NFL Draft first-round selection has only appeared in one playoff game. However, it is to be noted that Tagovailoa and Miami have made the playoffs back-to-back seasons. Both games were Wild Card losses.
Still, the former 2018 College Football Playoff National champion couldn’t make a strong case for himself during the regular season against ‘playoff’ caliber teams. Tagovailoa finished the 2023 season with a 1-5 record against eventual postseason teams. The team they defeated was the Dallas Cowboys in a 22-20 victory off a 29-yard field goal from Miami kicker Jason Sanders on Christmas Eve.
What Tua Did to Get Here
Since his rookie season, the former top-5 draft choice improved his game and overall stats. Tagovailoa throughout his development has become one of the most premiere pocket passers in the game for head coach Mike McDaniels. The franchise quarterback has 12,639 passing yards, a 66.9 completion percentage, an 81 to 37 touchdown-interception ratio, and a Pro Bowl nod so far in his career.
Last season marked the best career year as of yet for Tagovailoa. The Pro Bowler threw a league-high 4,624 passing yards, a career-high 29 touchdowns, and had his first healthy season in his career. Tagovailoa’s extensive injury history includes back, hip, and three concussions. He will return to training camp — this time with a new deal — as Tagovailoa and the Dolphins prepare for year five together.
Main Photo: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
