The Miami Dolphins have never truly shown unwavering confidence or strong belief in Tua Tagovailoa throughout his tenure, and this sentiment persists as he enters his fifth season.
It has been a source of embarrassment for the franchise and a point of disrespect towards the quarterback. The entire NFL is aware of this perception, and Tagovailoa himself undoubtedly feels it amid the ongoing contract dispute.
Instead of wholeheartedly backing their 2020 No. 1 draft pick early in his career, the Dolphins have actively sought alternatives behind the scenes. Reports surfaced of pursuits for Deshaun Watson and later Tom Brady, with the latter exploration resulting in a league penalty for tampering, all while Tagovailoa’s future remained uncertain.
Despite overcoming initial concerns about concussions and showcasing considerable improvement last season—playing every game, leading the NFL in passing yards, and earning a Pro Bowl selection—the Dolphins’ faith in Tagovailoa appears shaky once again as negotiations for a lucrative contract extension stall.
This contract negotiation was supposed to be the Dolphins’ opportunity to demonstrate unequivocal support and belief in Tagovailoa, yet they seem to be mishandling the situation. Tagovailoa has expressed disappointment over the delay in securing a deal, observing other quarterbacks around the league signing substantial extensions.
With training camp looming and no agreement in sight due to what appears to be a low-ball offer from the team, Tagovailoa faces the prospect of a contentious holdout. Meanwhile, fellow quarterbacks from his 2020 draft class—Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, and Jalen Hurts—have already secured lucrative extensions, reflecting the typical market value for young, promising quarterbacks.
Despite Tagovailoa’s superior career statistics compared to some of his peers who have received substantial contracts, the Dolphins continue to hesitate, reportedly due to concerns about potential future concussions. This hesitancy contrasts sharply with other teams like Jacksonville, which swiftly rewarded Trevor Lawrence with a significant extension, demonstrating their unwavering belief in their quarterback.
Miami’s general manager Chris Grier previously stated that extending Tagovailoa’s contract was a priority after last season, but mere priority is insufficient. The Dolphins need to offer a contract that aligns with fair market value and finalize it before training camp begins.
In essence, the critical question remains: Does Miami finally have full faith and belief in Tua Tagovailoa after four years? Regrettably, their current negotiation tactics suggest otherwise, failing to provide a resounding affirmation of support for their quarterback.