Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is angling for a new contract, but that has not stopped him from attending mandatory minicamp, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL media.
Rapoport notes that Tagovailoa “may not do much,” but he is at the Dolphins’ mandatory workouts, which is a great sign.
Tagovailoa was also present for much of Miami’s organized team activities, so the fact that he is on the field for minicamp is none too surprising.
The 26-year-old is preparing to enter the final year of his deal and has been talking with the Dolphins about an extension for the last couple of months.
Not much progress seems to have been made between the two sides, but it wouldn’t be shocking to see things ramp up in the coming weeks.
Tua Tagovailoa is a Polarizing Figure
You would think people would be happy with Tagovailoa’s production thus far, but that just isn’t the case.
There are many who question whether or not Tagovailoa is actually a franchise quarterback. Some think he is a product of a couple of great receivers in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, and others credit head coach Mike McDaniel’s system for his success.
Regardless, Tagovailoa is producing.
The University of Alabama product led the NFL with 4,624 passing yards this past season to go along with 29 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. In 2022, he paced the league with a 105.5 passer rating.
Of course, there are some legitimate questions concerning Tagovailoa.
For example, while the Dolphins did win 11 games in 2023, they went just 1-6 against teams with winning records, and Tagovailoa struggled mightily in those contests.
Also, Tagovailoa has shown a penchant for laboring in colder weather, which was on full display during Miami’s Wild Card Round playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs this past January.
Additionally, Tagovailoa has a checkered medical history, especially when it comes to concussions. He did manage to play in every game this past year, but in 2022, Tagovailoa missed four contests due to head injuries, and one of the concussions was particularly frightening.
All of that being said, Tagovailoa has proven that he is, at the very least, an above average NFL quarterback, and the Dolphins probably aren’t going to find anything better. At least not in the near future.
Miami is finally beginning to experience some success, and for a franchise that has not won a playoff game since January 2001, it should latch on to that and not let go.
Chances are, the Dolphins and Tagovailoa will reach some sort of agreement before the 2024 campaign begins. If not, Tua Tagovailoa will hit free agency next March.
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