Dolphins Reluctant to Roll Out Brinks for QB Tua

Recently, in the NFL, many notable quarterbacks have been getting big-time extensions from their teams. QBs such as Jared Goff, Kirk Cousins, who signed earlier in the year with Atlanta, and most recently Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence, have all secured substantial contracts. Now, many are focusing on who will be next to get a big payday, with Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa being a prime candidate. Tua’s contract has been a hot topic, with reports indicating the Dolphins are unwilling to offer him numbers comparable to the aforementioned quarterbacks. With opinions varying, let’s explore why I believe the Dolphins are correct in their stance.

Lack of Playoff Production

In Tagovailoa’s four years as a starter, he has made the playoffs only once, resulting in a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. What was one of the best offenses in the regular season was reduced to minimal output, only mustering seven points in a crushing 26-7 loss. Tagovailoa specifically struggled in this game, completing barely over 50% of his passes while throwing for only one touchdown and one interception. Struggling in a first playoff game is expected, but this high-powered offense in the regular season, which saw them drop 70 on the Broncos, was shut down. When compared to the other QBs above, Tua shares inconsistencies with all of them, but they each have shown an ability to consistently make the playoffs and, in some cases, elevate their teams to playoff wins. This raises the question of whether Tua can elevate his game when needed or if he is truly capped as a good quarterback but not one who can take his team to the next level, an opinion I agree with.

Inconsistencies

Even during the regular season, there were multiple signs of inconsistencies within Tagovailoa and this Dolphins offense. Despite having a great regular season, it was evident against top-tier opponents that there is a limit to Tua’s capabilities. Having lost to Buffalo twice, Baltimore, Kansas City, and the Eagles once, the only significant game Miami won was a 33-30 victory over Dallas. Every other win outside of Dallas was against non-playoff teams that Miami significantly outclassed in talent. In these big losses, one thing remained consistent: in all games, Tagovailoa had at least one or more interceptions or no total touchdowns. In big games, he disappears, and so does the Dolphins offense along with him.

Conclusion

For the reasons listed above, I don’t think Tagovailoa is a QB who should garner over $50 million annually. He is a solid starter but doesn’t transcend the limits. Players getting paid that type of money can make dynamic plays that change the outcome of a game, and Tua is limited in this regard, especially against big-time opponents, as shown in the playoffs last year. Miami is smart to be reluctant to pay him this money; however, they may not have a choice. If Tagovailoa’s camp demands this type of price tag, it leaves Miami in a rough spot without a quarterback of the future for a win-now roster. I’ll be sure to follow this story as it progresses, as it should reach a climax before the season starts.