Mandatory veteran training camp kicked off in the Sunshine State on Tuesday, where Hawaii's Tua Tagovailoa has been participating in practices ahead of his fifth season with the Miami Dolphins.
Coming off his first Pro Bowl selection, Tagovailoa, who will make over $23 million this season, is entering the final year of his rookie contract. He acknowledges that negotiations are ongoing, following significant deals signed by quarterbacks across the league, including Detroit's Jared Goff's four-year, $212 million contract.
"I'm not blind to people in my position getting paid," Tagovailoa said to reporters in Miami on Tuesday. "Am I concerned about it? I'm not concerned, but there's a lot of discussion that we're trying to move in the right direction where we can both be happy."
"There's been a lot of progress from where we started. The tough part is why we haven't seen an agreement yet—that's business. It's up to both sides to meet in the middle," he added. "I'm confident a deal will get done, but it's not in my control."
All-Pro receiver Tyreek Hill has been vocal in his support for Tagovailoa, stating, "Tua should've been paid. I've been saying that all offseason. I know our front office, including General Manager Chris Grier and Senior Vice President of Football & Business Administration Brandon Shore, will get it done. People compare it to Jared Goff's situation, but Tua should be up there, even surpassing some guys. Understanding his story and his progression each year, it's crazy. He's continually getting better. Last year was the Pro Bowl, this year a playoff win and much more. Tua should've been paid."
In 2024, Tagovailoa passed for 3,500 yards and 25 touchdowns, 13 of which went to Hill. Hill led the league with 1,799 receiving yards.