Tua Tagovailoa: Contract| Contract details| Sucks| Game Log

Tua Tagovailoa remains one of the most talked-about quarterbacks in the NFL — praised for his peak performance and heavily criticized during slumps. This article breaks down his contract, key contract details, fan and expert criticism (“sucks” narrative), and his latest game log and performance.

Tua Tagovailoa’s Contract Overview

Tua Tagovailoa signed a major four-year contract extension with the Miami Dolphins in July 2024, solidifying his status as the franchise’s quarterback through the 2028 season. The deal is worth $212.4 million with $167.171 million guaranteed, making it a franchise record for the Dolphins and one of the highest-paid quarterback contracts in the NFL.

Here are the key figures:

• Contract length: 4 years (2024–2028)

• Total value: $212.4 million

• Guaranteed money: $167.171 million

• Signing bonus: $42 million

• Average annual salary: ~$53.1 million

• Potential incentives: Up to $9 million via playing time and playoff bonuses (Super Bowl incentives included)

This payout places Tagovailoa among the highest-paid QBs in the league, just behind the likes of Trevor Lawrence and Joe Burrow.

Contract Details Breakdown

Tagovailoa’s contract isn’t just a flat salary — it’s layered with particulars that impact both the player and the Dolphins’ salary cap:

Guaranteed Money & Bonuses

• $93.171 million fully guaranteed at signing

• Base salary and roster guarantees in 2024 and 2025

• Vest-until guarantee triggers in later years that protect Tagovailoa financially

• Workout and per-game roster bonuses each year

• Incentive bonuses tied to regular-season play and playoff success (including a Super Bowl win)

Salary Structure by Year

Each season carries different salary figures and guarantee statuses:

• 2024: Modest base salary with massive signing bonus proration

• 2025–2026: High fully guaranteed salaries

• 2027–2028: Roster bonuses and partial guarantees kick in

• Possible out-after-2026 scenario gives Miami an escape hatch — though hard to utilize without a draft trade or partner.

Insurance & Injury Protection

The deal also includes injury protections — including insurance policies worth up to $49.3 million — to offset risk if Tua misses extended time due to injury.

“Sucks” Narrative: Criticism & Fan Backlash

Despite the hefty contract, recent performance has drawn significant criticism, particularly from fans and analysts:

Struggles in 2025

• In Week 6 of the 2025 season, Tua’s performance included three interceptions and a career-worst 24.1 passer rating, leading to a benching in a 31-6 loss to the Cleveland Browns.

Harsh Opinions & Media

• Former NFL players and pundits have publicly criticized Tagovailoa’s inconsistency. At one point, ex-Dolphin Richie Incognito bluntly stated “He is ass” while discussing a disappointing Dolphins loss in 2025.

• Some fans on forums have echoed the sentiment during rough stretches, saying the contract hasn’t matched performance.

Team Context

Some criticisms are routed not just at Tua, but at Miami’s broader offensive woes — injuries, protection issues and streaky support around him have also impacted perception.

Balanced view: While some view him as underperforming, many analysts and fans still recognize his past success and ability — especially when healthy and protected.

Latest Game Log & Performance

Here’s a snapshot of Tagovailoa’s 2025 regular season game log, showing mixed results that reflect both highs and lows (from official NFL and ESPN game logs):

This mixed log shows stellar games alongside sub-par performances, illustrating why both praise and criticism exist.

Overall 2025 stats:

• ~2,407 passing yards

• 18 TDs & 14 INTs

• Passer rating around 86.4, ranked low among starting QBs.

Career Context

Across his career (2020–2025), Tagovailoa has:

• Thrown for over 17,900 yards

• Accounted for 118 TDs

• Maintained a passer rating near 96.2
  His best seasons include 2022 and 2023, where he led the league in passing yards and earned a Pro Bowl nod.

Final Take

Tua Tagovailoa’s career — and especially his contract with Miami — sits at a controversial crossroads.
His contract is massive and guaranteed, making him a long-term cornerstone for the Dolphins.
However, inconsistent play and critical narratives (“sucks”) have emerged in recent seasons due to dips in performance.
His game log reveals games of both elite production and struggles, painting the picture of a QB with top-tier potential but also question marks under pressure.

Whether tagged as a future Hall of Famer or underperformer, Tua’s story remains one of the most compelling in today’s NFL landscape.