Tagovailoa Secures $53.1 Million Contract Extension with Dolphins
- The Miami Dolphins and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa have finalized a record-breaking four-year, $212.4 million contract extension.
- This makes Tagovailoa's contract the largest in the franchise's history and highlights his exceptional performance in the 2023 season.
- He led the NFL with 4,624 passing yards and achieved a personal best with 29 touchdown passes.
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has signed a lucrative contract extension worth an average of $53.1 million, making him the third highest-paid quarterback in the NFL, trailing only Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals. The deal includes $167 million in guaranteed money, ranking eighth among quarterbacks. This agreement solidifies Miami's status as the only NFL team with three offensive skill players—Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, and Jaylen Waddle—earning at least $70 million in guaranteed funds. The contract comes after a tumultuous start to training camp for Tagovailoa, who had been a limited participant in the first two days. However, he returned to full practice just hours before the announcement of his extension. Tagovailoa is the third quarterback to secure an extension this offseason, following Jared Goff and Lawrence, as he aims to solidify his position as the Dolphins' franchise quarterback. Since being drafted fifth overall in 2020, Tagovailoa has faced challenges, including injuries and concussions that sidelined him for nine games. Nevertheless, he experienced a breakout season in 2023, leading the NFL with 4,624 passing yards and achieving a career-high 29 touchdown passes. His performance marked a significant milestone, as he became the first Dolphins quarterback since Dan Marino to lead the league in passing yards. With heightened expectations under head coach Mike McDaniel and the support of star receivers Hill and Waddle, Tagovailoa is now focused on leading the Dolphins to their first playoff victory since 2000.