Dolphins GM on Tua Tagovailoa contract extension: ‘Just let him play out the season’

The Miami Dolphins won’t be focused on contract negotiations with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa until after the 2023-24 season.

According to Dolphins general manager Chris Grier, he wants his QB1 to focus on the field before diving deep into an extension next offseason.

“I think just think for him, it’s just to let Tua play again,” Grier said, via Alain Poupart of SI.com. “Those things can be a big distraction, family, friends, [the media], everyone constantly asking him about it. His agents and I have had discussions just general but not really about that and just kind of agreed, like, let’s just let him play out the season, and then we’ll attack that in the offseason.”

Before being shut down by injuries, Tagovailoa started 13 games for Miami in 2022 and finished the season throwing for 3,548 yards with 25 touchdowns and eight interceptions on 64.8% passing. He set career highs with a 105.5 passer rating and a 68.9 QBR as well.

Injuries have been the story of Tagovailoa’s career thus far. Dating back to his time at Alabama, his collegiate career ended due to hip surgery during the 2019 season. Tagovailoa also delt with an ailing ankle injury during his time in Tuscaloosa as well.

They followed him to the professional ranks as well — most notably in 2022. His injuries began during a road trip against the Cincinnati Bengals. After his head connected to the turf, Tagovailoa was taken off the field in an ambulance in one of the most terrifying moments in recent NFL history. Another concussion later in the season caused Miami to shut him down for the year. His last appearance for the Dolphins in 2022 came on Christmas Day against Green Bay.

Those injuries have raised questions as to whether Tagovailoa can be a longterm option for Miami under center. After all, Tagovailoa has admitted he contemplated retirement following his injuries last season. He stuck around, and if healthy has the potential to produce career numbers thanks to the talent that surrounds him.

Add that to the fact that Miami made several additions to its defense, including star cornerback Jalen Ramsey — despite losing him to a meniscus tear during training camp — in hopes of complimenting its high-powered offense.

The Dolphins kick off the 2023 NFL season on the road against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sept. 10 at 4:25 p.m. ET. LA stands a 2.5-point favorites heading into the season opener, according to Vegas Insider.

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