When the topic of securing a franchise quarterback arises, spirited debates tend to ensue in the NFL realm. Such is the case with Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins. Despite doubts regarding his postseason performance and turnover numbers, some analysts advocate Miami taking a daring step – committing to Tua as their offensive lynchpin by making him the highest-paid QB surpassing Joe Burrow earning an average annual value (AAV) of $55 million as part of his five-year extension with the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Dolphins’ offseason maneuvers have only amplified the urgency surrounding Tua’s contract situation. With the marquee signing of Odell Beckham Jr. and significant roster turnover, Miami has signaled its intent to invest in its future – a future that hinges on Tua’s development as the unquestioned leader under center. As Dave Helman stated on SPEAK, “If Tua is under contract for five or six years, you can manipulate his money…which allows you to build a better team.”

This mirrors the approach San Francisco took with Jimmy Garoppolo, providing stability under center. However, Helman admitted a key reservation as he answered with an “Absolutely I do not” to his own question of considering Tua a top-five quarterback. “History shows that getting these decisions out of the way pays off,” he argued, even for considerably non-elite QBs.

However, other reservations remain. As Joy Taylor noted, while praising Tua’s 4,624 yards and 29 TDs in 2023, “We saw what happened in the postseason.” His 14 interceptions and playoff struggles give pause to the thought of support. Yet Emmanuel Acho bluntly stated, “Tua is the perfect quarterback for the Miami Dolphins…You have to pay him because everything is already built around Tua.”

The Dolphins’ offensive schemes, tailored to Tua’s rhythm-based, timing-reliant style, make him an indispensable piece in their Jenga game of success, is what the analysts believe to be true. With Miami retooling their roster around Tua, the pressure mounts concerning the situation. Following the Garoppolo blueprint of embracing their QB’s potential, while cautiously addressing his non-elite status and flaws, could be Miami’s path forward as Tua’s mega-extension looms.

Dolphins urged to avoid “Tag Game” pitfalls with Tua Tagovailoa’s contract

As the Tua Tagovailoa contract saga unfolds, Dave Helman’s voice rings clear: avoid the pitfalls of the “tag game” that can cripple a team’s ability to build a contender around their quarterback. “It’s when you start playing this tag game and putting guys on $30 million contracts for one year, that’s the key,” Helman warned, advocating for a long-term commitment to Tua, despite reservations about his elite status.

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The perils of short-term thinking are evident, as Helman contrasts the flexibility of a multi-year deal. “You want Tua costing you $12 million against the salary cap this year, and now we can talk about extensions for Jaylen Waddle,” he posited. By securing Tua’s services long-term, Miami can allocate resources to bolster the supporting cast crucial in their championship quest. As the adage goes, “You can’t make the club in the tub” – the Dolphins must field a stacked roster to compete.

In this high-stakes game, the Dolphins face a crossroads. Do they heed Helman’s advice and embrace Tua as their franchise QB, flaws and all? Or fall into the trap of short-term thinking, hampering their ability to surround themselves with talent? Tell us your approach for the Dolphins to adapt.