Mike McDaniel admits Tua Tagovailoa getting a $212.4 million contract is “validation” of his work for Dolphins

The Dolphins head coach believe Tua Tagovailoa will stand up to the expectations of everyone.

Mike McDaniel admits Tua Tagovailoa getting a $212.4 million contract is “validation” of his work for Dolphins

Mike McDaniel and Tua Tagovailoa (Via Imago)

It appears Tua Tagovailoa’s decision to hold out from the training camp worked as the Miami Dolphins finally signed him in the record-breaking deal he sought. This Friday (July 26), the quarterback signed a mammoth extension worth $212.4 million making him the fourth highest-paid quarterback in the league. 

As surprising as the deal seemed for many, head coach Mike McDaniel saw it forthcoming as he expressed his honest opinion about it. During a recent press conference, McDaniel shared that he “expected it to get done,” while showering high praise on the quarterback’s development over the years. 

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He appreciated the lucrative deal saying the Pro Bowler deserved it and it’s a good validation for his efforts for the team, given he posted 4,624 yards, a career-high 29 touchdowns, and a QBR rating of 60.8% last season. 

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I'm happy but I also expected it to get done and now that it's done it's about moving forward. It's maybe a handshake and a smile but it's not a celebration. I'm fired up for the organization, really fired up for Tua and the work he's done to receive something like that. It's a cool validation of that.
Mike McDaniel said via Tom D’Angelo of the Palm Beach Post

Although Miami is yet to bring results in the playoffs, the team did qualify for the playoffs for two consecutive seasons but didn’t advance beyond the Wildcard round. And to stand up to the expectations of the team and the fans, head coach McDaniel and Tagovailoa would need to bring results this season. 

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Head Coach Mike McDaniel celebrates Tua Tagovailoa’s extension 

While discussing Tagovailoa’s lucrative contract, Miami’s head coach also shared how he went out to hug him upon hearing about his extension. But his hug caught the quarterback off guard and he ended up spilling his coffee. 

Tua Tagovailoa and Mike McDaniel
Tua Tagovailoa and Mike McDaniel (Via Imago)

Now that the contract situation is resolved, McDaniel is relieved to put the signal-caller’s entire focus solely on the football, believing he will stand up to the expectations of everyone. He shared that Tagovailoa understands the responsibilities that come with the starting quarterback position in the NFL. 

After the disappointing 2023 postseason, he is poised to prove himself in the coming 2024 iteration while dealing with the pressure and expectations of his position. 

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