Tua Tagovailoa’s teammate says Dolphins QB “isn’t afraid to hurt feelings anymore” as $212,400,000 QB steps up in 2024
Tua Tagovailoa was drafted by the Miami Dolphins to win big. Now, with the quarterback getting paid big bucks, he's doing more to hold up his end of the bargain. The passer's tight end explained that Tagovailoa's leadership has taken a different tone this year.
Speaking on Monday's edition of "The Dive Bar Podcast," tight end Tanner Conner said (0:12):
"His leadership has definitely stepped up this year. He’s more outspoken, he’s not afraid to step on guys’ toes or hurt feelings anymore. He’s truly taking it seriously this year where maybe in the past not as much. This year he definitely has an intensity to him."
The Dolphins quarterback signed a $212.4 million extension with the team this offseason. He now is signed through the 2028 season. By signing the deal, the team puts a halt to speculation that the team might have been willing to move on from the quarterback.
With the quarterback now signed, the Dolphins have made it that much harder for themselves to add new talent to surround their quarterback. As such, over time, it will fall on the quarterback to deliver wins more. Currently, the roster is intact with Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and other key pieces.
However, in the coming years, that eventually won't be the case. As such, this year could be one of the last big windows for the team to make a deep playoff run.
Dolphins build escape hatch into Tua Tagovailoa's $212,400,000 deal
The Miami Dolphins went all-in on Tagovailoa at first glance, but the choice to sign him comes with one big caveat. According to Spotrac, the team will be financially incentivized to move on from him starting in 2027. This means the Dolphins have essentially given Tyreek Hill's quarterback until then to deliver a breakout season worthy of getting him another extension.
The 2027 out also sets up for a difficult year in 2026 for the Dolphins and Tagovailoa. In the 2026 NFL Draft, the Dolphins will need to decide if they wish to move on, so they can use Tua Tagovailoa as a bridge quarterback before cutting ties in 2027.
On the other hand, Tua Tagovailoa will see the potential out and have a reason to return to the negotiation table. For now, both sides have found peace. However, that peace could only last for the next two seasons.
Will Tua Tagovailoa back up his $212.4 million price tag?
If any of the above quotes are used, credit "The Dive Bar Podcast" and H/T Sportskeeda.