Tua Tagovailoa Signs Major Contract Extension– The Miami Dolphins and Tua Tagovailoa agree to a four-year contract extension worth up to $212.4 million.– This deal extends beyond the 2024 season.
Guaranteed Earnings and Signing Bonu– Tagovailoa is guaranteed to make just over $93 million.– He also received a $42 million signing bonus as part of the new deal.
Average Annual Value– The contract has an average annual value of $53.1 million.– This places Tagovailoa just ahead of Jared Goff and slightly behind the top-tier quarterbacks.
Salary Cap Impact– The deal lowers Tagovailoa's salary cap hit to $9.5 million for the 2024 season.– This provides short-term relief for the Dolphins, who now have $22 million in open salary cap room.
Future Cap HitThe salary cap hits for Tagovailoa over the course of his deal are:– 2024: $9.5 million– 2025: $59.4 million– 2026: $63.4 million– 2027: $45.4 million– 2028: $57.8 million
Cash Flow BreakdownTagovailoa's year-to-year cash flow from the deal is:– 2024: $43.125 million– 2025: $51 million– 2026: $55 million– 2027: $37 million– 2028: $49.4 million
Deal Structure and Future Negotiation– The contract is front-loaded, with $94.1 million earned in the first two years.– The structure suggests possible renegotiations after the 2026 season, or a potential exit if performance declines.
Long-Term Financial Planning– The rising salary cap makes the $37 million commitment in 2027 seem reasonable in the future.
Tua Tagovailoa's contract is structured to benefit both him and the Dolphins, providing immediate financial relief and setting the stage for future negotiations.