MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Miami Dolphins signed quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to a four-year contract extension valued at a franchise-record $212.4 million, according to a media report Friday.
At an average of $53.1 million per year, Tagovailoa will rank third in the NFL in quarterback pay behind Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence and Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow. The deal includes $167 million guaranteed, eighth most among quarterbacks.
ESPN first reported the extension, attributing the terms to the agency that represents Tagovailoa, Athletes First.
The Dolphins did not announce the extension, though the team did post a video of Tagovailoa on social media Friday afternoon.
Tagovailoa was still playing under the contract he signed when the Dolphins made him the fifth overall selection of the 2020 draft. Tagovailoa was looking for a contract similar to those signed by Burrow and Justin Herbert, who were drafted the same year. After their rookie deals, Burrow and Herbert signed multiyear contracts in excess of $200 million.
Throughout negotiations, Tagovailoa participated in the team’s off-season workouts and participated in parts of the first few days of training camp. He was a full participant on Friday.
Tagovailoa, who sustained multiple concussions his first three NFL seasons, positioned himself for a big pay bump with an injury-free and productive 2023. He threw for 29 touchdowns and a league-best 4,624 yards.
The Dolphins reached the post-season but were eliminated in the first round by eventual Super Bowl champion Kansas City, extending to 24 years their stretch without a playoff win.
The contract extension will keep Tagovailoa with Miami through 2028.
The Miami Dolphins and star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa have reached an agreement on a four-year contract extension, solidifying their commitment to each other for the foreseeable future. The deal, reportedly worth $30 million, comes after Tagovailoa’s impressive rookie season in which he showed flashes of his potential as a franchise quarterback.
Tagovailoa, who was selected by the Dolphins with the fifth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, had a solid debut season despite facing some challenges along the way. He finished the season with 1,814 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and five interceptions in nine games as the Dolphins’ starter. While there were some ups and downs, Tagovailoa showed enough promise to earn the trust and confidence of the Dolphins’ front office.
The contract extension is a clear sign that the Dolphins believe in Tagovailoa’s ability to lead the team to success in the coming years. It also provides stability for both parties, as Tagovailoa can now focus on his development without having to worry about his contract status.
In a statement released by the Dolphins, head coach Brian Flores expressed his excitement about the extension, saying, “Tua has shown tremendous growth and potential in his first year in the league, and we believe he has what it takes to lead this team to great things. We are thrilled to have him as our quarterback for the foreseeable future.”
Tagovailoa also expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to continue his career with the Dolphins, saying, “I am grateful for the trust and confidence that the organization has shown in me. I am excited to continue working with my teammates and coaches to bring success to this team and this city.”
With the contract extension in place, the Dolphins can now focus on building around Tagovailoa and putting together a competitive team that can contend for a playoff spot in the near future. The young quarterback has shown that he has the talent and work ethic to succeed at the NFL level, and with the support of his teammates and coaches, there is no doubt that he can reach his full potential in Miami.