The Miami Dolphins are committed to Tua Tagovailoa for the long haul.
The Dolphins and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa have finalized a four-year, $212.4 million contract extension, with $167.1 million guaranteed, according to NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo. The team officially announced the agreement on Sunday morning.
The new $53.1 million annual extension is the second-largest four-year contract in NFL history, slightly surpassing Jared Goff’s $53 million deal and trailing only Jordan Love’s $55 million per year, as well as the five-year contracts of Joe Burrow and Trevor Lawrence.
The former No. 5 overall pick was entering the fifth and final year of his rookie contract. The extension keeps him under contract in Miami through the 2028 campaign.
According to Rapoport, the contract features performance and playoff win incentives that could increase his earnings to $55.35 million per year, with a maximum potential value of $221.4 million.
Tagovailoa took part in the initial days of training camp to some extent but was fully involved in Friday’s session, suggesting that negotiations were progressing.
Despite external doubts about Tua’s future with the Dolphins, general manager Chris Grier and the coaching staff consistently remained committed to securing a long-term, high-value contract for the former Alabama quarterback.
Under Mike McDaniel’s leadership in Miami, Tagovailoa has thrived. Over the past two years, the 26-year-old has ranked second in the NFL for pass yards per attempt (8.5) and passer rating (102.9), fourth in total passing yards (8,172), and fifth in passing touchdowns (54).
The Dolphins averaged 27.6 points per game with Tagovailoa as the starter, compared to 16.3 PPG in the four games he missed due to injury over the past two seasons, during which Skylar Thompson and Teddy Bridgewater each had two starts.
Tagovailoa’s first three seasons were marred by injuries, including several concussions. However, in 2023, he demonstrated his potential and durability by leading the NFL with 4,624 passing yards and playing all 17 games.
Now that contract issues are settled, Tagovailoa, Coach McDaniel, and the Dolphins’ high-powered offense can concentrate on making an impact in 2024.
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