Miami, FL
Tua Tagovailoa plays hardball with Miami Dolphins over contract renewal
Tua Tagovailoa has undeniably been a game-changer for the Miami Dolphins since his arrival. As the franchise looks to secure their star quarterback for the long haul, Tagovailoa is proving to be a tough negotiator. The 26-year-old is holding out for a contract far more lucrative than the Dolphins‘ initial offer.
Drafted in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the Alabama graduate signed a four-year deal with Miami worth $30 million, including a fifth-year option valued at $23.5 million. The Dolphins have exercised this option, signaling their intent to keep Tagovailoa, but the quarterback’s demands have raised the stakes considerably.
Top-tier quarterback contracts have skyrocketed in recent years, and one NFL executive predicts Tagovailoa’s deal will be no different. Speaking to Dolphin Nation, the executive estimated, “They’ve groomed him, he’s going to get better. You don’t want to lose him. It was so hard to get a quarterback… It’s just finding that balance. My guess is $55 million [per year], maybe it’s more.”
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that while the Dolphins have initiated contract discussions, their initial offers have been rebuffed by Tagovailoa. On SportsCenter, Fowler noted, “They have had contract talks, preliminary talks. I’m told that the Dolphins have made at least one contract offer but we know how these things go; the offer apparently hasn’t been good enough.”
Contract talks stall Tua Tagovailoa’s OTA participation
Fowler also concurred that Tagovailoa is in line for a massive payday, likely exceeding $50 million annually. “The market is pretty set. We saw Jared Goff, $50-plus million a year, that’s going to apply to Tua,” Fowler added.
Currently, the Dolphins are deep into organized team activities (OTA), but their star QB has been conspicuously absent. Fowler believes Tagovailoa’s absence is linked to the ongoing contract negotiations. “He has missed some OTA time, I’ve confirmed, and really it could depend on how negotiations go with his contract as to whether he starts to show up or is there full-time,” Fowler said.
Tagovailoa, who earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2023, has formed a formidable partnership with wide receiver Tyreek Hill, creating headaches for opposing defenses. Whether this dynamic duo will continue to wreak havoc beyond this season remains uncertain as contract talks drag on.
Dolphins fans eagerly await a resolution, hoping to see more of Tagovailoa’s magic at Hard Rock Stadium. For now, the ball is in the Dolphins’ court as they strive to lock down their franchise quarterback for the future.
A group of South Florida students is preparing to travel more than 8,000 miles to Zimbabwe next Wednesday, though organizers say reaching their fundraising goals has become increasingly difficult this year.
Ten students from Miami Central Senior High School are scheduled to spend 18 days in the country as part of the Blindfolded International Student Cultural Exchange Program (BISCEP). The initiative aims to provide students with cultural immersion and foster global relationships.
“I’m really excited but also a tad bit nervous,” said 11th grader Shonneice Ferris.
For student Samir Rios, the trip offers a chance to engage with a new community. “The most anticipated thing that I’m looking forward to is most likely the students and the kids,” Rios said.
During the 18-day excursion, students plan to attend local schools, volunteer at an orphanage, and visit sites including Victoria Falls. “The first week we’re going to be going to school in Zimbabwe,” Ferris said.
Despite the program’s history of successful trips, BISCEP founder Edwin Sheppard said fundraising efforts have stalled. Many longtime donors have reduced their contributions due to budget constraints.
“A lot of our donors, our past donors, have not been able to donate what they’ve donated in the past,” Sheppard said. “A lot of budget cuts, and so we’re still struggling to raise all of the funding.”
Organizers confirmed the trip will proceed as scheduled despite the financial hurdles.
“This is two different schools, two different sides of the world and two different continents, and I think we’re going to do something amazing out of this,” Rios said.
The students are scheduled to depart next Wednesday. Organizers continue to seek donations to cover the remaining costs. Those interested in supporting the Miami Central Senior High students can find more information at biscep.org.
The contact period for 2028 recruits officially opened on June 15th, and Miami has been active on the recruiting trail.
Now more than ever, recruiting players early matters, with several committing before taking their official visits in their senior season.
Miami has been high on 2028 running back Terriel Harmon for a while, and he discussed the Hurricanes with Miami Hurricanes on SI.
READ MORE: Miami Hurricanes’ 2027 Football Commitment Tracker
The Hurricanes contacted Harmon almost immediately after the contact period opened and got down to business with him.
“The running backs coach (Coach Merritt) hit me up, and we just talked about the leadership I am going to bring to Miami and the environment of Miami,” Harmon said.
Even before the contact period opened up, Harmon already had a sense of what Miami was like.
“They bring the energy,” Harmon continued. “I love the players like Javian Mallory, Malachi Toney, and Mark Fletcher.”
Mallory is an incoming freshman running back at Miami, and he played high school ball at West Boca. Harmon just transferred to the South Florida power. The two of them have a great connection, and Mallory is recruiting Harmon to join him in college.
“He’s been telling me that Miami is the place to be and that it is great,” Harmon said.
Even though it’s still early in his recruitment, the Hurricanes are still in a prime position for the local three-star running back.
“I’m still not sure where I will go to school, but Miami is for sure at the top,” Harmon finished.
More About the 2028 Class
The 2028 class will be crucial for the future of Miami. Arguably, the two best prospects of the past few years, Amir Sears and Bryson Wright, are right in the Hurricanes’ backyard, and the two could change the course of Hurricanes football if they come.
Overall, the 2028 class in Florida might be one of the best in any state ever. There is so much talent throughout the state, and Miami is looking to get a class that rivals this 2027 class, which is the top three in the country per Rivals.
Some other in-state prospects that the Hurricanes are targeting include Gabriel Player (four-star linebacker), Asher Ghioto (four-star defensive lineman), Antonio Thompson Jr. (four-star defensive back), and George Selvie (four-star offensive lineman), amongst a ton of others.
While Harmon is only a three-star now, it would not be surprising if he becomes a four-star by the end of his senior season.
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