NFL analyst delivers strong counter-argument against massive new-look second contract to match new-look Tua Tagovailoa
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is playing in the final year of his rookie contract and is set to become a free agent after this season. That's if the Dolphins don't reach an extension before or during the season with the quarterback.
Tagovailoa is a candidate to land a contract extension this off-season. Some expect him to become a top-five highest-paid quarterback in the NFL upon signing his new contract. However, not everyone thinks that the 26-year-old should break the bank.
ProFootballTalk analyst Chris Simms pointed to some concerns about the Dolphins extending Tagovailoa. He talked about the QB making drastic changes in the last two off-seasons as a concern.
Simms argued:
"If he's a top 10 guy, why are we seeing every offseason this rush to make drastic changes if he's already arrived? If he's already doing everything he needs to do, you don't need to spend last year gaining weight and learning how to fall. And then this year going in the other direction, losing weight to the point where people don't recognize you, right? Why do you need to do that if everything is working right?"
As Simms mentioned, Tagovailoa took jiu-jitsu classes last off-season to help with his landing as he makes contact to the ground. This off-season, he lost about 10-15 lbs. to 'feel better'. There's no specific reason or goal for his weight loss, he just wants to feel better in preparation for the 2024 season.
What could a Tua Tagovailoa contract extension look like?
The Miami Dolphins and Tua Tagovailoa are expected to get a contract extension done this off-season, it should be a matter of time.
The team recently signed wide receiver Jaylen Waddle to a contract extension this off-season, with many thinking Tagovailoa is up next.
Recently, the Detroit Lions extended Jared Goff and gave him a four-year, $212 million contract. Last off-season, four quarterbacks signed contract extensions worth more than $50 million annually.
Jalen Hurts, Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, and Justin Herbert re-set the quarterback market last off-season with their extensions.
With the way contracts work, sometimes players who aren't the best at their position get paid like a top-five player. You can make the case that Tua Tagovailoa has (or hasn't) played like a top-five quarterback the past two seasons. Yet, he led the league in passing yards this past season and in passer rating in 2022.
Tagovailoa will likely get a contract extension breaking $50 million per season and over $200 million in total.
If you use any of the above quotes, please credit Chris Simms, ProFootballTalk, and credit Sportskeeda