The Miami Dolphins Super Bowl Chances Depend On This Contract Extension
The AFC is loaded full with high-caliber teams possessing legitimate Super Bowl chances. The AFC East Division has three teams in win-now mode for a Super Bowl title. The Buffalo Bills’ window is closing rapidly, and the New York Jets possess the longest playoff drought in the league. The Jets must depend on quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is coming off an Achilles tear at the beginning of last season.
This leaves the Miami Dolphins, who possess one of the most talented rosters in the league. Defensively, they have changed their coaching, including defensive coordinator, where they feel confident to perform better. Offensively, they have the ability to be even better than they were last season, when they boasted the league's top passing offense and the second-ranked scoring offense.
There aren’t any excuses for the Dolphins this season and beyond. They’ll have to get out of their own way and ensure they don’t mess up their future. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is seeking a contract extension as he will be an unrestricted free agent after this season. Tagovailoa is looking to secure his future with the team, more so than getting paid, but the contract talk's timing is problematic. The Dolphins’ Super Bowl chances depend on their ability to pay Tagovailoa at a reasonable price.
The Miami Dolphins Super Bowl Chances Depend On This Contract Extension
Tagovailoa Is Vital To The Dolphins’ Offense
It wasn't long ago that Tagovailoa was considered a top-tier offensive player and a prospect that teams were willing to tank for. His stock fell due to his injury concerns in his final collegiate year at Alabama and the rise of Joe Burrow. Tagovailoa had a chance to thrive early with the Dolphins, but the offensive system of Chan Gailey was terrible, and head coach Brian Flores was constantly trading him away for Deshaun Watson.
It wasn’t until the Dolphins turned to former San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel that Tagovailoa was utilized properly. Tagovailoa proved doubters, fans, and media wrong with questions about his accuracy, arm strength, and injury concerns. McDaniel created an offense that utilized Tua's ability to get the ball out fast, make quick reads, and lead a high-power offense with multiple weapons. He had plenty of experience before Miami on spreading the ball to different receivers and pass catchers at Alabama.
This past season was a big breakout year for Tagovailoa and the Dolphins’ offense, as they were one of the toughest offenses to face. The biggest problem came from the lack of experience, mostly from the coaching staff. They would often struggle against more efficient defenses or teams with winning records. It is, however, nothing that more preparation and mental stability can't fix.
Tagovailoa's presence on the offense is constantly praised by star wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who consistently comes to the defense of Tua when he's being slammed by NFL media. Hill says Tagovailoa is a top-five quarterback in the league. With impressive arm strength, accuracy, leadership skills, and coming off a career year where he led the league in passing yards, it is not hard to disagree.
The Dolphins and Tagovailoa Have To Meet In The Middle
This off-season has been difficult for many teams having to extend their star players. The wide receiver market is at an all-time high in terms of annual salaries. The same could be said for the quarterbacks. This offseason, Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff and Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence were given deals north of $50 million per year. These moves will help the players but will most certainly hurt the team's future ability to add depth and talent across all position groups.
The Dolphins currently have one of the most talented rosters in the league. If the Dolphins extend Tua to a $50 million plus deal, they will lose talented players to other teams who can afford to pay them. There is a reason why teams with rookie quarterback contracts or cap-friendly deals like Patrick Mahomes II and Tom Brady have won five of the last six Super Bowls. That is because they have spread the salary cap to different position groups. The Dolphins can’t afford to lose multiple key players, especially with a coach and staff who might still struggle in big game moments. The Dolphins and Tagovailoa need each other, but they need to meet in the middle for a Super Bowl title to potentially work out.