Team success in the NFL often hinges on finding a franchise quarterback. Once that QB is on the roster, teams typically take extensive measures to keep the partnership intact for years.
The Miami Dolphins found theirs in 2020, selecting Tua Tagovailoa with the fifth overall pick in the NFL Draft. Tagovailoa helped lead the team to the postseason in his third and fourth seasons and, ahead of his fifth, was rewarded with a lucrative contract to remain in aqua and orange.
Since signing the deal, Tagovailoa has faced ups and downs. Recurring concussions have limited his time on the field, while turnovers and reports of a tense locker room have sometimes overshadowed his play.
Still, the terms of Tagovailoa’s contract indicate the Dolphins view him as their franchise quarterback for the foreseeable future. Here’s a closer look at the specifics of his deal and how it stacks up against other top QBs in the league.
MORE: Everything to know about Tua Tagovailoa's family and roots
Tua Tagovailoa contract
- Years: 4
- Value: $212.4 million
- AAV: $53.1 million
- Guaranteed: $167.2 million
In 2024, Tagovailoa signed a four-year, $212.4 million contract extension that keeps him under contract with the Dolphins through at least 2028.
The contract guaranteed $167.2 million and came with a $42.0 million signing bonus. $93.2 million was guaranteed at signing, and his contract has an average annual value (AAV) of $53.1 million.
Tagovailoa's cap it in 2025 is $39.2 million and it rises to $56.4 million in 2026.
MORE: A breakdown of Tua Tagovailoa's net worth and career earnings
Highest QB cap hits in NFL 2025
Here is where Tagovailoa's 2025 cap hit lands among players in 2025.
All salary figures via Spotrac.
| Rank | Player | Cap hit | Team |
| 1 | Dak Prescott | $50.5 million | Cowboys |
| 2 | Matthew Stafford | $47.5 million | Rams |
| 3 | Joe Burrow | $46.0 million | Bengals |
| 4 | Lamar Jackson | $43.5 million | Ravens |
| 5 | Kyler Murray | $43.3 million | Cardinals |
| 6 | Geno Smith | $40.0 million | Raiders |
| Kirk Cousins | $40.0 million | Falcons | |
| 8 | Tua Tagovailoa | $39.2 million | Dolphins |
| 9 | Justin Herbert | $37.4 million | Chargers |
| 10 | Josh Allen | $36.4 million | Bills |
MORE: Ranking the 16 greatest Dolphins players ever
Highest-paid QBs in NFL
Tagovailoa is among the top-10 highest-paid QBs in the 2025 NFL season. His AAV of $53.1 million places him at sixth, ahead of Jared Goff, Brock Purdy, Justin Herbert, and Lamar Jackson.
Here is a list of the top 10:
| Rank | Player | AAV | Team |
| 1 | Dak Prescott | $60 million | Cowboys |
| 2 | Josh Allen | $55 million | Bills |
| Joe Burrow | $55 million | Bengals | |
| Trevor Lawrence | $55 million | Jaguars | |
| Jordan Love | $55 million | Packers | |
| 6 | Tua Tagovailoa | $53.1 million | Dolphins |
| 7 | Jared Goff | $53 million | Lions |
| Brock Purdy | $53 million | 49ers | |
| 9 | Justin Herbert | $52.5 million | Chargers |
| 10 | Lamar Jackson | $52 million | Ravens |