Superstar quarterback Tua Tagovailoa continues his holdout and could seek a trade this offseason if he doesn’t get the contract he desires. According to a source, the Miami Dolphins reportedly already made one offer that was rejected as the two sides are looking for a long-term agreement. However, it seems like the contract wasn’t good enough for Tagovailoa who probably wants the biggest deal in the league. He’s set to make $23.1 million next season in the final year of his rookie contract.
However, $50 million annually seems to be the benchmark for a high-quality quarterback in the current market. Joe Burrow, Jared Goff, Justin Herbert, Lamar Jackson and Jalen Hurts have inked deals worth at least that amount over the last two offseasons. Tagovailoa and Goff seem to be in the same tier among those quarterbacks. The Alabama product led the NFL last season with 4,624 passing yards and 29 touchdowns while leading the Dolphins to the playoffs.
However, the biggest problem with Tagovailoa is that he hasn’t been faring with elite competition. Miami went 1-5 in games against playoff contenders during the 2023 campaign, but losses to the Ravens and Bills cost the Dolphins the AFC East. It’s fair to speculate if the team is willing to pay Tagovailoa an enormous amount maybe even higher than Goff. Miami may be better off offering him a franchise tag before making any long-term commitments.
However, the quarterback has been mostly absent from Dolphins activities as Miami is figuring out a way to pay him. It’s unclear if he’s willing to participate in the next voluntary workouts but it isn’t expected. It’ll be interesting if the Alabama product will be a participant in mandatory camp. The rumors will spiral if he doesn’t show up.
Superstar Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa Continues Holdout, Could Seek Trade
What Does His Absence Mean?
Tagovailoa was present for most of his voluntary work in his first few seasons in the league. However, this offseason is the first that he’s missing any type of minicamp. Sources believe his absence is a result of his contract status as he’s looking for a reasonable long-term extension. However, his absence from the minicamp is probably trying to gain leverage to get a new deal.
The biggest question is how long is he willing to show up or if he will show up at all for mandatory camp. Miami may have to be forced to make a deal now so they don’t have to worry about it next offseason. However, just because they can franchise tag him doesn’t guarantee him showing up for practice. Tagovailoa would be subject to a $40,000 fine for every day he’s absent.
However, the league indicates that the Dolphins could clear or reduce that fine entirely. Miami is already up against their salary cap this season after making some bargain signings and losing quality players. The Dolphins could restructure his deal now to save that money to give him a deal he desires next offseason. If he doesn’t want that, here are some potential trade destinations for the Alabama product.
Potential Trade Destinations
The Saints look to be a trade candidate after drafting Spencer Rattler in this year’s draft. New Orleans hasn’t had any luck with quarterbacks in the past decade since the Drew Brees era. Derek Carr seems to be on the hot seat this year so they may consider other options. However, if the Saints aren’t pleased with the position then they could make a call to Miami to get Tagovailoa.
The Dallas Cowboys haven’t made any offers or negotiations this offseason so it seems unlikely that Dak Prescott will be back. The team has been very inactive this season so it seems like the 2025 season will look a whole lot different. They still need to pay CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons to mega-deals so they may have to make some sacrifices.
However, one shocking but unlikely move is if the Dolphins send their franchise quarterback to Carolina. The Panthers still need to see what Bryce Young can do after a disappointing rookie season. He has all the tools but if he can’t cook then they may have to find another chef.
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