Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins have been in a standoff over the offseason regarding an extension for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
And that standoff has spread between the Dolphins' fan base as well. Some feel he's worth getting the $50+ million per season that the market indicates he's due. There are others who feel he hasn't delivered enough in key situations and would either make him play out his rookie deal and force his hand or move on to someone else.
According to one of his newest targets, tight end Jonnu Smith, Tagovailoa has the tools as good as any he's seen. Smith joined the Dive Bar Podcast and was notably complimentary of his quarterback's touch with the ball.
"Tua is probably the most talented when it comes to arm - I ain't going to say probably - he is when it just comes to the arm talent, the way he moves his eyes," Smith said. "I was impressed the first time I'd seen him, the first time working with him, throwing with him. The best catchable ball that a receiver can catch. When I say a catchable ball, he throws a receiver's ball - receivers know what I mean. As accurate as can be. The sky is the limit for him. I know he's going through stuff right now. I hope that works out because I'm ready to roll, and I know he is. So, I'm excited about everything we've got going for us this year."
When asked about how Tua has a reputation for accuracy, Smith noted that Tagovailoa has a willingness to take risks and that it's key for the offense.
"He's not afraid to take chances, and I think you've got to have some of that in you as a quarterback when you know you've got a playmaker down there. The way he fits it into tight windows. Just the way he scans the field and goes through his progressions, all those different things. And Tua's still young. He's still a pup. What is this, year four?"
It's actually going to be year five for Tagovailoa this fall, but Smith's point remains nonetheless. Tagovailoa is currently trending upward through four seasons, at least in the statistical department. The production has been unquestionable, as Tagovailoa led the league in passing yards in 2023 after leading the leading in passer rating and yards per attempt in 2022. He also managed to stay healthy for the first time in his career last season.
Now, the wait continues as training camp approaches. Will the Dolphins' front office see that progress that Tagovailoa's made, particularly over the last two years, and make an offer suitable to his camp? Or could Smith even begin training camp without his quarterback present?
Hopefully, for Smith, Miami's offense, and their fans, that possibility won't come to pass. Veterans report to Dolphins training camp on July 23.
