(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
While the long-suffering Miami Dolphins made a lot of progress last season and have a very talented roster, they have a long way to go before they can call themselves legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
While they have an explosive offense, their defense needs work, and two of their main talents have been due for contract extensions.
On Thursday, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle agreed to a three-year, $84.75 million extension, and per FinsXtra, the Dolphins have achieved one of their offseason goals, allowing them to now focus on their other: giving quarterback Tua Tagovailoa an extension.
Miami Dolphins’ two priorities this offseason were to sign Jaylen Waddle and Tua Tagovailoa to long-term extensions
With Waddle re-upped, the Dolphins have started the process of talking to Tua and negotiating with his representatives (@JFowlerESPN) #GoFins pic.twitter.com/UTlfUOujdk
— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) May 31, 2024
Tagovailoa is somewhat of a polarizing figure across the NFL, as a number of pundits have taken shots at him and claimed he isn’t capable of being a legitimate franchise quarterback.
Yet he led the league in passing yards in 2023 while throwing 29 touchdown passes and completing 69.3 percent of his pass attempts, which earned him his first Pro Bowl nod.
He has shown improvement each year since he was a rookie in 2020, and it resulted in Miami’s second straight playoff appearance, something they haven’t achieved since the 2001 campaign.
Tagovailoa’s exploits allowed them to rank second in the NFL in points and first in passing yards and total yards last season.
In addition to him being up for an extension, there have been reports that wideout Tyreek Hill, their top offensive weapon, now wants a new contract.
He is under contract through the 2026 season, but with a number of other star wideouts getting new deals in the $30 million a year range, perhaps Hill feels he is now underpaid.
The post Insider Reveals Dolphins’ 2 Biggest Priorities This Offseason appeared first on The Cold Wire.