Schefter: Tua, Dolphins Not as Close to Contract Extension as Jordan Love, Packers

The Miami Dolphins and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa are reportedly not as close on an extension as the Green Bay Packers and Jordan Love.

"I don't think they're as far along right now as the Packers and Jordan Love, obviously. I think both sides would like to get it done," ESPN's Adam Schefter said Monday on the Pat McAfee Show. "The Dolphins have been very open about the fact Tua is their guy into the future, but the question is, what is the number?"

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Schefter noted the biggest gap between the Dolphins and Tagovailoa may come down to guaranteed money. The Alabama product has suffered a number of injuries in recent years, starting with a dislocated hip in his final season with the Crimson Tide. He also considered retirement after suffering two concussions during the 2022 season.

While Tagovailoa was able to stay healthy throughout the 2023 campaign, the Dolphins may want safeguards in his extension.

There are also concerns—whether internal or from the outside—regarding Tagovailoa's ability to compete against elite competition. Miami went 1-5 against playoff teams during the 2023 regular season and struggled mightily in a Wild Card Round loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Dolphins have scuffled to close the regular season for two straight years as well.

It's hard to fathom a scenario where Miami could realistically acquire a quarterback that fits better within its current championship window, but Tagovailoa has noticeable limitations with his deep ball and ability to make plays out of scheme.

When investing upwards of $50 million per season, it's fair for the front office to have those questions. That said, Tagovailoa led the NFL in passing yards last season and has a better statistical profile than Trevor Lawrence and Kyler Murray and is on par with Jared Goff. All three of those quarterbacks landed life-changing contracts in recent offseasons.