The Miami Dolphins are entering the 2023 season with high hopes of contending for a Super Bowl berth, and they are determined to minimize any distractions that could hinder their progress. One major decision they have made is to avoid engaging in contract negotiations with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa during the upcoming season.
Tagovailoa, a former Alabama standout, is eligible for a contract extension after completing three seasons in the NFL. The Dolphins drafted him as the fifth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, and he has shown promise during his time with the team. However, instead of discussing a contract extension now, the Dolphins believe it is best for Tagovailoa to focus solely on his performance on the field.
The decision comes after Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, who was Tagovailoa’s teammate at Alabama, signed a lucrative five-year, $255 million contract extension this offseason. Hurts, a second-round pick in the 2020 draft, could have become a free agent or a franchise-tag candidate next year. In contrast, the Dolphins exercised their fifth-year option on Tagovailoa’s contract, ensuring him a payday of $23.171 million for the 2024 NFL season.
There is still a possibility for Miami to negotiate a long-term contract with Tagovailoa in the future, which could potentially be more salary-cap friendly than the option year salary. However, Dolphins general manager Chris Grier has made it clear that they will address the contract situation next offseason, allowing Tagovailoa to focus on his performance for the 2023 season without any distractions.
Grier believes that contract negotiations can become a major distraction for players, with constant questions from family, friends, and the media. He wants Tagovailoa to have a clear mind and concentrate on leading the team on the field. Grier has had general discussions with Tagovailoa’s agents, but they have agreed to leave the contract talks for the offseason.
Meanwhile, the Dolphins have engaged in contract discussions with defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, who is entering the option year of his contract. However, after making an offer that they deemed fair, no agreement has been reached yet. Grier understands the importance of not distracting Wilkins from his goals for the upcoming season and plans to revisit the contract talks at the end of the season.
Despite the contract situations, Grier expressed confidence in the Dolphins’ ability to compete for a Super Bowl berth. He believes that the team, along with head coach Mike McDaniel and the coaching staff, has what it takes to rival the Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals, and Buffalo Bills in the AFC. Grier highlighted the team’s close-knit unit, their strong camaraderie, and the positive atmosphere in the locker room.
As the Dolphins set their sights on the 2023 season, they are prioritizing the immediate goals of their players and the team as a whole. While contracts are important, Miami believes it is crucial to let Tagovailoa and Wilkins focus on their performance on the field, trusting that the contract negotiations can wait until the offseason. With their sights set on a Super Bowl contention, the Dolphins are eager to unleash their full potential in the upcoming season.
