The 2024 season could be significant for Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins.
Beyond the Dolphins hoping to make significant progress after failing down the stretch last season before losing to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Wild Card stage, Tagovailoa will enter the 2024 season on the final year of his rookie deal.
Tua Tagovailoa arrives at Miami Dolphins’ Camp Leaner
I’m told Tua Tagovailoa dropped 10-15 pounds — down to 220 pounds, his ideal playing weight this year — seeking more agility/escapability
Here’s why lower weight doesn’t mean more injury concern for Dolphins. Talking Tua w/ @TomPelissero & @judybattista @nflnetwork The Insiders: pic.twitter.com/UL8Bxa9ejJ
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) May 21, 2024
Tagovailoa not only reported to Dolphins OTAs despite contract uncertainty, but he also reportedly lost weight during the offseason.
According to Cameron Wolfe of the NFL Network, Tua was in the building, throwing passes and going about his business as usual. “He forecasted it. I’ll be in OTAs and will leave all contract details to my agent. Contract negotiations are still underway, and nothing is imminent, from what I gather.
“I spoke with people around Tua and the Dolphins, and there isn’t much concern about this…” From what I gather, he’s down to 220 pounds and has already lost 10-15 pounds this summer.
According to Wolfe, Tagovailoa hopes that by losing some weight from his previous playing weight of around 230 pounds, he will be even more fluid and agile.
Last season, Tagovailoa rushed for only 74 yards but had a 101.1 passer rating and finished with a career-high 4,624 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions.
Whether Tagovailoa and the Dolphins reach an agreement on a new contract before the season begins remains to be unclear, but Miami’s signal caller appears to be doing everything he can to build on his outstanding performance in 2023.