With the Miami Dolphins, Tua Tagovailoa has inked a record-breaking four-year, $212.4 million contract deal that will keep him in The Magic City until 2028.
With the 26-year-old’s deal formally signed, the long-term contracts of all four first-round 2020 NFL Draft quarterbacks—Jalen Hurts (Eagles), Jordan Love (Packers), Justin Herbert (Chargers), and Tagovailoa—have now been finalized. Love is currently the highest paid signal-caller in the NBA after agreeing to a four-year, $220 million contract on the same day as Tagovailoa.
The debate over whether Tagovailoa deserves the top salary started quickly in the sports world, and James Jones voiced his opinions on a recent episode of “Speak,” stating that he disagrees with athletes being compensated for their potential.
He declared, “I’m happy for Tua.” “I applaud everybody who receives compensation in the National Football League. The thing that bothers me about every other position is that your pay is determined by how well you perform. You get compensated based on your performance and skill level at your position, so disregard value and all of that.”
.@89JonesNTAF reacts to Tua’s record-setting extension. pic.twitter.com/gKG0lvGONH
— Speak (@SpeakOnFS1) July 26, 2024
The former wide receiver for the NFL said that Brandon Aiyuk would be playing right now if teams like the San Francisco 49ers had paid Brock Purdy less than they did. Aiyuk recently asked to be traded while the deal was still unresolved.
“I want the owners to spend this money, but spend it on other players too,” Jones stated. “Good quarterbacks in the middle of the pack … should be getting the middle-of-the-pack money … to pay the other players on your football team.”
Nick Wright talked about whether he agrees with the move and what he thinks Miami’s ownership thinks about Tagovailoa on a recent episode of “First Things First.”
“I believe it’s an error,” he declared. “I think Mike McDaniel is great. He is incredibly intelligent, and I have given him a curve grade based on how he performs with a quarterback who is clearly restricted. It appears that he has now approved and supported. You’ve officially approved of this individual, therefore the curve is gone. At more than $50 million annually, I wouldn’t commit to Tua, but the Dolphins have.
“I think there is a ceiling on their team with him as the quarterback.”
Is Tua a Top 5 QB in the AFC?@getnickwright, @kevinwildes & @GregJennings explore: pic.twitter.com/QwrXJndIOe
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) July 26, 2024
Tagovailoa missed one day of training camp because he had not received a contract decision. Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, two of his teammates who play receivers, have previously complimented him on his technique and skill during contract talks.
After falling to the eventual Super Bowl winner Kansas City Chiefs the previous season, the Dolphins, now in their fifth season with Tagovailoa, are hoping to make the playoffs once more.