Dolphins QB deemed player with 'something to prove' by Associated Press

A multitude of players enter the 2024 NFL season with something to prove. Every rookie is looking to prove they belong in this league. Numerous veterans are looking to have bounce-back seasons after injuries or poor performance derailed their 2023 season. And some, like Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, are looking to prove they are the guy and are deserving of big contract extensions.

It’s that contract situation, and the perceived uncertainty behind whether or not Tagovailoa can lead the Dolphins to postseason success that has Associated Press writer Dennis Waszak, Jr highlighting Tagovailoa as one of the players with the most to prove coming into the season.

Tagovailoa could play this season on the final year of his rookie deal after the QB said last month he was “antsy” about getting a new contract done. He led the NFL with 4,624 yards passing last season, bouncing back from two concussions that cut short his 2022 campaign. But he might need another prove-it season with a return to the postseason before he cashes in next offseason — with Miami or elsewhere.

Tagovailoa’s supporters would point to the fact that he led the NFL in passing yards and took the team to the playoffs as proof enough that he’s deserving of an extension. Detractors would say the fact Miami collapsed at the end of the season yet again, coupled with the injury concerns and the lack of playoff success is proof he’s not deserving of said extension.

The Dolphins are caught between a rock and a hard place when it comes to the Tagovailoa contract situation. On the one hand, Miami isn’t likely to be bad enough in 2024 to land a top draft spot and hit the reset button at quarterback. On the other hand, the team is seemingly unwilling – at least up to this point – to give Tagovailoa a contract that would, in all likelihood, make him one of the highest paid quarterbacks in the game – which his production, when healthy, has warranted.

When it all shakes out, this situation is likely to end with Tagovailoa getting a contract extension and being tied to the Dolphins for the next 3-5 years. What that contract looks like remains to be seen, but it’s unlikely the two sides walk away from this without a deal getting done.