Tua Tagovailoa was among the players who sat out some or all offseason workouts prior to the opening of organized team activities. That marked a departure from his previous attendance decisions, and it led to speculation he could remain absent from the remainder of voluntary offseason activities. 
The extension-eligible Dolphins quarterback is indeed present for the opening of OTAs, however, per Dianna Russini of The Athletic. Tagovailoa had previously stated an intention of taking part in the final phase of Miami’s offseason program, so today’s news comes as little surprise. It also makes it likely the 26-year-old will take part in mandatory minicamp next month.
Tagovailoa skipped most of the Dolphins’ previous offseason workouts, and it was reported last week that decision was tied to the fact he has not landed an extension. All activities prior to minicamp and training camp in July are voluntary, and an absence from the latter in particular would be more noteworthy. Tagovailoa’s attendance at OTAs is a positive sign on the contract front as talks continue. A second NFL pact will be among the most lucrative in the league, something evidenced by the team’s efforts to secure Tagovailoa for the long term.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported during a Sunday SportsCenter appearance (via Tyler Conway of Bleacher Report) that the Dolphins have made at least one offer so far. The fact the former No. 5 pick skipped out on most voluntary workouts is a sign that offer was rejected. Especially with respect to QB mega-deals, negotiations are a back and forth process and plenty of time remains for an agreement to be reached. Tagovailoa is under contract for 2024 on his fifth-year option, valued at $23.17MM.
A long-term accord could very well reach the $50MM-per-year mark, something which is currently true of five deals. Jared Goff inked a Lions extension averaging $53MM per season last week, and that places him in second in the pecking order as things stand. 2021 first overall pick Trevor Lawrence is expected to at least approach the top of the market with his Jaguars extension.
Agent Drew Rosenhaus – who represents a number of Dolphins players but not Tagovailoa himself – notes there is a sentiment inside the organization and around the league an extension will be worked out no later than training camp (video link via Josh Moser). Tagovailoa’s attendance is an encouraging sign on that front, and the progress of contract talks will remain a storyline to follow closely.
Just another average QB that’ll get $50m+ and eat up 25% of cap space. Might as well start over at the position. It’s cheaper and always keeps the fans hyped on a ‘new 1st round QB of the future’ mantra.
Honestly, if he were a free agent – which team gives him 50mil/year?
Maybe there is a team that gets desperate, but I sincerely doubt the market would be active at that price.
Even in a league where the haves and have nots have a large disparity – I would bet he gets alot less than 50. The fact that the Dolphins are hesitant tells you everything you need to know.
“Honestly, if he were a free agent – which team gives him 50mil/year?”
Generally, you think there is always some team willing to do it. But some of the usual suspects (Atlanta, Washington, Chicago) seem pretty set at QB.
But let’s say he puts up good numbers again this year and stays healthy. There’s a few teams that, depending on how things shake out, could be interested enough to drive his price up. Jets if Rodgers retires. Raiders if their QB competition yields poor results. Steelers if Russell Wilson is awful. Maybe the Giants if Jones is horrible and they cut bait. Maybe not $50 million a year but I bet he gets a pretty fat contract from someone.
Rct is right. In a league where the Falcons give a 35 year old Cousins a 4 year $180 million contract only to draft a 24 year old QB months later some desperate team would pay Tua.
I’m think you understand my point well enough.
So do you think the Falcons offseason plan was successful? I don’t.
I think the Falcons are better, but that was a low bar.
They clearly bought themselves a parachute too with MP.
Kirk is a great example of overpaying for a QB. And to tour Arty, they want more.
They upgraded – but they are not satisfied, and it cost a bunch.
Then why are you so sure Tua wouldn’t get massively overpaid on the open market? rct listed 4 potential suitors, not to mention Miami would likely stay involved, and there are a couple other longer shot possibilities (LA Rams if Stafford retires, for one).
Do you thino Brock Purdy would get 50?
Why? Why not?
Brock will get his $50m. It’s the new bench mark for starting QB’s these days. Some team will over pay for Dak, same for Tua. Jags are committed to TL and all he does is turn over the ball. Cousins got close to it at 36 & off a terrible injury. Burrow made it to $50m & has missed considerable time in 2 out of 4 seasons. Goff just got his new contract. Lots of proof for the new QB price tag.
And in a little over 2 years, it’ll be $55-60M for a QB.
I contend that overpaying for guys in the middle can cripple your franchise.
As I originally noted, it isnt crazy that a GM is desperate…coaches and GMs are on a clock. But, the Dolphins are able to pay Hill because he is on a rookie deal. Giving him 50 million a year can be franchise crippling.
I think I would bet he gets more than Baker, but I still think less than 50. And the guaranteed money wont be nearly as high.
The 49ers are system driven. (Mcdaniels is a Shanahan assistant too) They too can afford all the extra pieces because of a rookie deal. Both Tua and Purdy do not have any elite physical talents that separate them from the very best. They are excellent in a system and within structure but offer nothing else.
Im very skeptical, but I wouldn’t rule it out completely.
As a Bills fan – I say give Tua 60! But being an objective football fan – I recognize the conundrum the Fins have.
I suspect that many GMs feel the same. Its not even like the Fins are 100 sure themselves.
50 is a franchise QB salary – not a middle tier salary. I wouldnt want to be the GM pushing that mark on Tua.
$50m should be for a franchise QB, but plenty of top 12-15 QB’s are banking it now. And as I have always said here, it’s not up to the players to worry about the cap.
I forgot where I read it, but the author was of the opinion that players can’t take below market deals because it hurts the overall positional value. If Trevor signed for say $45m, he hurts the QB market. It was an interesting point I never thought of before.
Yes, I think Purdy would get $50M. The “why” is because all it takes is one franchise to view a guy more favorably or one team to get desperate enough in a bidding war to extend a guy an offer of that magnitude. Plus, it’s just the going rate for good QBs.
I also don’t think $50M is too insane at this point, as crazy as that sounds. It’s easy for us as fans to sit back and say “don’t pay that guy, that’s crazy, just draft someone” when it comes to the most important position in sports because it isn’t our job on the line.
Dallas would be the team most likely to pony up $50M per year if they let their current QB walk. Jerry doesn’t make the smartest decisions…
Dallas wouldn’t pay Dak but then would give 50 mil a year to tua? No, but it’s a non point because that’s where Shedeur is going
Whatever was offered is too much
Considering his concussion history, I’d be a bit more flexible and push for the guaranteed dollars as his career injury free isn’t a sure thing. Betting on yourself is one thing, but doing it when there was once discussion of you’d even have a career is another. If he gets concussed during the course of the year, I’m sure teams would be hesitant to give him anything close to what he’s hoping for.
I’ve always thought he was overhyped so I’ve never been a fan but after those concussions I actually cringe when I see him about to take a sack. The last thing I’d want for anyone is to get physically knocked out of their sport permanently.
Well … except for Jake Paul … but I digress
Miami is staring at the NY Giants’ overpay for Daniel Jones wondering whether they want to roll the dice with a Tua extension. Miami should do what Giants didnt have stomach to do and place the non-exclusive franchise tag on Tua – see what he is actually worth and whether they want to match it.
You’re absolutely right @rutgers except for the fact that Jones sucks and Tua is, at worsed, an above avg QB so….
… but Jones didn’t have a Reek or Waddle
Not that he is worth it, but I think he gets every bit of 50/year from someone. Likely with less guaranteed than Goff, since Tua’s long term health is a much bigger question. It’s hard to imagine him signing for the same as Cousins coming off of a major injury and much older. Someone will roll the dice on Tua with an upper-echelon figure if Miami doesn’t want to pony up (assuming he stays relatively healthy… which may be a bold assumption)
If I’m having to even approach 50 million a year I’m waiting till after the season and the. Dropping the tag on him where u can match or let him walk.. also it lets you see his market and gives you another year to see if he continues to be healthy with his concussion history.. Guaranteed are always an issue with that kind of health record..
Tua and Lawrence aren’t in the neighborhood of Goff yet.. but that’s where the QB market is right now unfortunately for a lot of teams. This is Goff’s third contract. Tua and Lawrence are going for their second. Burrow got the top per year ever on his second contract but he’s far above Goff, Tua and Lawrence. If Tua thinks he’s more valuable than Goff he’s mistaken. He has Hill and Waddle to throw to. Two of the best. A third string QB could have his numbers throwing to them.