Tyreek Hill believes Tua Tagovailoa 'should've been paid' by now

It’s been an offseason of contract talks for the Miami Dolphins. That includes starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who star wide receiver Tyreek Hill believes already should’ve been paid.

While speaking to reporters, Hill expressed confidence in Tagovailoa continuing to grow as a quarterback and emphasized that that’s why the Dolphins need to make an investment in him.

“Tua should’ve been paid,” Tyreek Hill said. “I’ve been saying this all offseason, man, and I know we’ve got a great front office with [Chris] Grier and [Brandon] Shore. They’re gonna get it done. Obviously, a lot of people are comparing it to the Jared Goff situation and stuff like that, but I feel like Tua is supposed to be up there with and past some of those guys because just understanding his story and the progression of how he’s getting better each and every year and how he’s carrying this offense is crazy.”

Tua Tagovailoa was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Since then, he’s helped make Miami one of the consistently competitive teams in the AFC.

2023 was the best statistical season of Tagovailoa’s career. During that season, he completed 69.3 percent of passes for 4,624 yards and 29 touchdowns. That led the NFL in yards. Still, there are some people who have concerns with Tagovailoa, including his long-term durability.

“So, he’s going to continue to get better because I feel like when you get a new contract, they’re not paying you for what you did. It’s almost like an investment, you feel me? It’s almost like an investment of what you’re gonna do in the future,” Hill said.

“So, he’s continually getting better. He’s gradually getting better each year. Last year was Pro Bowl. This year is gonna be a playoff win and much more. So, Tua should’ve been paid.”

For his part, Tyreek Hill isn’t the Miami Dolphins only wide receiver who wants the team to extend Tua Tagovailoa. Jaylen Waddle, who recently earned his own contract extension, has also brought up extending the star quarterback.

“Tua is my guy,” Waddle said. “I’ve been saying that for a long time. Without Tua, I don’t think I would’ve got the extension I got. So everybody is rooting for him. He’s our guy. Make sense, let’s get it done.”

Now going into his fifth NFL season, Tagovailoa is set to play on his fifth-year option. That’s worth $23.17 million for the season.