Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa contract situation gets OTAs update from Mike McDaniel
Dolphins fans get key Tua Tagovailoa prediction from Mike McDaniel
Clinching the playoffs in back-to-back seasons for the first time in more than 20 years is often something to celebrate, but the Miami Dolphins do not have the luxury of reveling in their significant progress. They must position themselves in true title contention for the 2024-25 campaign, or it is going to be extremely tough for fans to maintain their excitement.
The AFC is only getting deeper, so Miami will have to determine how it can best keep up with the other competitive teams. Management has difficult decisions ahead, which includes reaching an acceptable contract extension with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
If the Dolphins wish to retain the 26-year-old beyond next season, they might be forced to pay him somewhere in the range of $50 million per year. The indication is that both sides want to work out a deal, but doing so will also greatly limit the team’s financial flexibility. It will be much more challenging to assemble a high-end roster around Tagovailoa.
The former national champion has strung together two-straight promising seasons and led the NFL with 4,624 passing yards in 2023-24. Under head coach Mike McDaniel, he looks the part of a franchise QB. But could Tagovailoa remain as sharp with lesser talent around him? And can he lift this team over the top?
The perceived answers to these questions might determine how generous the Dolphins choose to be during negotiations. As more time passes without an extension being agreed upon, Tua Tagovailoa might decide to leverage the situation. McDaniel is not concerned, however.
Mike McDaniel’s latest comments should comfort Dolphins fans
“With intentionality, I try to keep myself as head of coaching,” McDaniel said, per Pro Football Network’s Adam H. Beasley. “Contracts and contract negotiations, those things take time. You know, I do expect Tua to be in {organized team activities}, only because, you know, my working relationship with Tua.”
The 2023 Pro Bowl selection can apply pressure to the front office by skipping voluntary workouts, but that would clash with the ultimate goal of vying for a Super Bowl. Chemistry is paramount for a team that was absolutely ravaged by injuries last year. McDaniel believes preparation and dedication are key features of the Tua Tagovailoa package, and is thus confident in his attendance for OTAs.
