The Miami Dolphins and star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa have both expressed confidence that they would work out a contract extension this offseason. And while both sides have seemingly downplayed any tension and remained optimistic, it sounds like Tagovailoa is refusing to attend voluntary workouts until the extension is done.
According to a report from CBS Sports, Tua Tagovailoa has decided not to be with the team for “the large majority” of the voluntary workouts that began last month as he seeks a new contract from the team, and it’s not clear whether or not he will attend OTAs this month, either.
“Tagovailoa has been absent for the large majority of voluntary offseason work since the Dolphins reported back April 15, sources close to the situation told CBS Sports. That is in stark contrast to his first four seasons in the league, when Tagovailoa was present for most of the voluntary work,” Jonathan Jones wrote for CBS Sports.
“Sources believe his absence is related to his contract status. Tagovailoa, the fifth overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft, is currently set to play the 2024 season on his fifth-year option, worth $23.171 million. The Alabama alumnus has hoped for a long-term contract extension with the Dolphins, but one has not materialized to date.”
Needless to say, it sounds like the contract negotiations might not be going as well as hoped.
