Miami Dolphins make fifth-year option official for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa
The Miami Dolphins got one of their biggest offseason decisions out of the way this week, officially exercising their fifth-year option on quarterback Tua Tagovailoa‘s rookie contract.
Based on the league’s numbers for fifth-year options, Tagovailoa will receive a guaranteed sum of $23.2 million in 2024.
His fifth-year option is not the most expensive for quarterbacks since he has yet to make a Pro Bowl or more than one. A quarterback with two or more Pro Bowls would garner $32.4 million.
Tagovailoa went fifth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Alabama. He has started 34 games over his first three seasons in the NFL for a 21-13 record.
Last season, the former Crimson Tide star threw for 3,548 yards and 25 touchdowns on a 64.8% completion percentage. He also led the league in touchdown percentage and yards per pass attempt.
However, Tagovailoa missed multiple games throughout the season — including Miami’s playoff game — while in concussion protocol.
The Dolphins quarterback initially signed a rookie deal for four years worth $30.275 million.
More on the 2023 NFL offseason, free agency
The NFL 2023 calendar year began at 4 p.m. ET on March 15. At that time, contracts running through 2022 officially ran out, making those players free agents.
Prior to the beginning of free agency, teams had a chance to designate one franchise or transition tag player, starting on Feb. 21 at 4 p.m. ET and ending on March 7.
The legal negotiation period spanned from March 13 through March 15. The new year marked the beginning of all trades going official per the league office.
April 21 marks the deadline to sign restricted free agents to offer sheets. On April 26, the deadline for teams to match restricted free agent offers sheets hits. There were 722 players due to hit free agency in 2023.
The Dolphins got into the free agency market this week, signing former New York Jets wide receiver Braxton Berrios.
NFL insider Adam Schefter reported Thursday that Berrios is signing a one-year contract. Berrios will add his 4.44-second 40-yard dash speed to a receiving core already known for their swiftness with players like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. He’ll be a valuable addition to Tagovailoa’s group of weapons for 2023.
Berrios’ contract serves as a homecoming of sorts, as he attended college at the University of Miami. Berrios went in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft to the New England Patriots.
On3’s Peter Warren contributed to this report.