Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa discusses possible long-term contract

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa sounds optimistic he’ll put pen to paper on a long-term contract extension after he showed he can stay healthy for an entire NFL season.

“I believe that will happen,” Tagovailoa said at the site of the Pro Bowl Games on Friday about signing a deal, as shared by Joe Schad of the Palm Beach Post.

Following Miami’s 26-7 wild-card postseason loss at the Kansas City Chiefs, Dolphins general manager Chris Grier made it known that the team wanted Tagovailoa “here long-term and playing at a high level.” The 25-year-old who has flourished under head coach Mike McDaniel made 18 starts, playoffs included, this season.

“I’m gonna let, you know, my agents, Chris (Grier), Mike (McDaniel), let those guys talk about that and let them move forward accordingly,” Tagovailoa explained.

According to ESPN stats, Tagovailoa finished the 2023 regular season with a league-best 4,624 passing yards. He was ranked 10th among qualified players with a 60.8 adjusted QBR, fifth with a 101.1 passer rating and tied for fifth with 29 passing touchdowns. However, only three quarterbacks tossed more interceptions than Tagovailoa (14).

Tagovailoa is set to play next season on the final year of his rookie contract, and the Dolphins could always use the franchise tag to retain his rights for 2025 if the two sides don’t come to an agreement before Week 1 in September.

Some have suggested that the Dolphins should have Tagovailoa play on the fifth-year option of his deal considering he admitted in April 2023 he thought about retiring last offseason due to his well-known history of concussions.

“My main goal this year was to play, you know, 17-plus games and I was able to accomplish that goal and just very fortunate that I was able to do that and very happy too,” Tagovailoa said on Friday.