Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Dolphins GM reaffirms confidence in QB Tua Tagovailoa

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 4/17/24

Despite speculation about his future in Miami, the Dolphins are still backing quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

Tagovailoa is entering the final year of his rookie contract. While Dolphins general manager Chris Grier hasn't provided a deadline for an extension, he noted the 26-year-old hired a private QB coach to raise his game.

"He's trying to do everything he can to be great," Grier said Tuesday, via Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio. "As [head coach Mike McDaniel] has told you guys, we feel like there is a whole other step that he can take, so we're excited about his future."

Last season, former first-round pick Tagovailoa started in 17 games for the first time in his career and led the league in passing yards (4,624). He faltered in the playoffs, however, posting a below-average 15.3 QBR in a 26-7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs during the wild-card round.

TUA DIME TO TYREEK. 42-YARD TOUCHDOWN.

: #NEvsMIA on CBS
: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/Quwvdzpx7G pic.twitter.com/VI65QA6lZ0
— NFL (@NFL) October 29, 2023

Spotrac estimates Tagovailoa's market value at a six-year contract worth $50.4M annually, fifth among quarterbacks. Considering his durability issues and playoff record (0-1), the price may give Miami pause. (The Dolphins can also franchise tag him in 2025.)

The organization still has confidence in him, though. On a Monday episode of "Path to the Draft," NFL Media's Cameron Wolfe indicated he doesn't expect the Dolphins to draft another quarterback with their first- or second-round pick, predicting them to instead target O-linemen to provide more protection for Tagovailoa.

Only time will tell whether Tagovailoa receives a new deal before the beginning of the season. But it appears he's making changes to reach the next level and keep the Dolphins happy.

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