The Miami Dolphins have made headlines with their recent agreement with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The four-year, $212.4 million extension is the largest in franchise history and solidifies Tagovailoa’s future with the team. With an average annual value of $53.1 million, Tagovailoa’s contract briefly made him the third-highest paid quarterback in the league, trailing only Trevor Lawrence and Joe Burrow. However, shortly after the news broke, the Green Bay Packers and Jordan Love matched that number with a $55 million average per year deal.
One of the standout aspects of Tagovailoa’s extension is the $167 million guaranteed, making him the eighth highest among quarterbacks in terms of guaranteed money. Additionally, the Dolphins are unique in the NFL as the only team with three offensive skill players earning over $70 million in guaranteed money. Wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, alongside Tagovailoa, form a formidable trio with a combined $310.8 million guaranteed.
After a “fluid” start to training camp, Tagovailoa has finally signed his extension, ending months of negotiations that began after the 2023 season concluded. As the third quarterback to secure a significant extension this offseason, Tagovailoa has a chance to cement his place as a franchise quarterback for the Dolphins. Since the retirement of Dan Marino, the Dolphins have struggled to find a consistent starting quarterback, with a total of 25 players starting at least one game for the team since 2000.
Tagovailoa’s career with the Dolphins has had its ups and downs, with his rookie season showing promise but also raising concerns due to injuries. Despite missing nine games over his first two seasons, Tagovailoa had a breakout year in 2023, leading the NFL in passing yards and receiving his first Pro Bowl selection. His performance in 2023, with 4,624 passing yards and 29 touchdown passes, marked a significant improvement from previous seasons and showcased his potential as a top-tier quarterback in the league.
With Tagovailoa entering his third season under Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel and surrounded by talented playmakers like Hill and Waddle, the expectations for him are sky-high. The goal is clear: lead the Dolphins to their first playoff victory since 2000 and establish himself as a cornerstone of the franchise’s future. As one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league, Tagovailoa will be under intense scrutiny to deliver results and live up to the record-breaking contract he has signed.
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