The Dolphins and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa are nearing the end of Tua’s rookie contract, with an uncertain future ahead. While Tua has proven himself worthy of a second contract, the focus now shifts to the structure and monetary value of a potential deal. Comparisons with other top quarterbacks, such as Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert, provide insight into Tua’s worth in the league.
Burrow and Herbert are earning significant amounts annually – $55 million and $52.5 million, respectively. As the fifth pick in the same draft, it is unlikely that Tua will settle for a figure somewhere between these two. The challenge lies in determining the appropriate figure and guarantee components for Tua’s deal. While he is scheduled to earn $23.17 million this year, negotiations for a substantial increase are already underway.
Ultimately, the decision rests on the team’s willingness to pay and Tua’s satisfaction with any offer presented to him. The possibility of tagging him for 2025 or 2026 remains, giving the team more time to evaluate his long-term potential as a franchise quarterback. However, this also raises an underlying question: can the Dolphins find a more cost-effective option to run their offense than Tua?
The idea of allowing Tua to become a free agent in order to gauge his true value is another consideration that must be weighed carefully by both parties. While he has shown promise thus far, reaching greatness and playoff victories remain uncharted territory for Tua. In this realm of uncertainty, the Dolphins must make a difficult decision in the near future about whether they want to invest in their young star or explore other options for their franchise quarterback position
