Dolphins GM Discusses Tua Tagovailoa's Future in the NFL in Eye-Opening Comments
Four young quarterbacks from the 2020 NFL Draft class are up for contract extensions this offseason, and all have shown signs of being potential MVP candidates. Joe Burrow has established himself as one of the league's top quarterbacks with the Bengals, Justin Herbert has put up impressive numbers with the Chargers, Jalen Hurts has won the confidence of Eagles ownership, and Tua Tagovailoa has shown flashes of brilliance with the Dolphins. However, Tagovailoa is the biggest question mark of the group.
Although Cincinnati and Los Angeles may face difficulties paying their franchise quarterbacks, there's no doubt that Burrow and Herbert are worth lucrative deals. Hurts is also on track for a significant pay raise, having impressed the Eagles' front office. However, Tagovailoa suffered two concussions in 2022 and ended the season on injured reserve, casting doubt on his long-term future with the Dolphins. While Miami can exercise Tagovailoa's fifth-year option to keep him on the team through 2024, it remains unclear whether the Dolphins will offer him a long-term deal.
Miami's head coach Mike McDaniel said that the Dolphins and Tagovailoa both want him to play at a high level for a long time in Miami. The team's general manager Chris Grier said that all options are on the table and that they are not in a rush to make any decisions. Grier also admitted that Tagovailoa's health will play a role in any potential extension, but that they are not afraid to make a long-term commitment to him.
Despite the Dolphins' enthusiasm for Tagovailoa's future, they are not as committed to him as the Bengals, Chargers, and Eagles are to their quarterbacks. Duke Tobin, a Bengals executive, stated that Burrow's contract will get done when it gets done. Jeffrey Lurie, the Eagles' owner, said that Hurts has nothing to prove to earn long-term job security. In contrast, the Dolphins are taking a more cautious approach with Tagovailoa.
While Grier is not afraid to think long term with Tagovailoa's contract, it does not mean that Miami will make a tangible offer this offseason. The Dolphins will likely exercise Tagovailoa's fifth-year option to avoid a situation similar to the Giants' with Daniel Jones. However, Tagovailoa will need to return to the field, stay healthy, and meet expectations in 2023 to earn a long-term deal with Miami. Until then, Tagovailoa will likely be motivated to prove that he can be a sustainable option for the Dolphins.
