Rich Eisen believes Tua Tagovailoa-led Dolphins are primed to clinch AFC East in 2024 NFL season - "They are flat out set"

The Miami Dolphins have yet to clinch the AFC East division since 2008. They've been knocking on the doors in recent years. Rich Eisen believes that the Dolphins, led by Tua Tagovailoa, will be the favorites to win the division in 2024.

Speaking on his eponymous show on Monday, Eisen said that the Dolphins have an extremely talented roster, starting right at the quarterback position until the defense and the secondary. He believes that the Dolphins have the best fast-paced offense in the NFL.

"Tua at the quarterback spot. Running backs, Raheem Mostert, Devon Achane, Jalen Wright. Don't forget Jeff Wilson, Jr. is on this team too... Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Braxton Berrios, Malik Washington... and then oh yeah, Odell is there now... Guys, name me a better, a faster offense."

Eisen added:

"They are loaded... Jalen Ramsey is sitting back there now. Jordan Poyer is on the team now. Javon Holland is still patrolling in the secondary... The Dolphins are flat out set... Dolphins should be ranked first to win the division in the AFC East."

Eisen continued, explaining that the Buffalo Bills are in a transitioning period after losing key offensive pieces in Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis this offseason. He raised questions about the New York Jets' potential with a healthy Aaron Rodgers under center.

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The Dolphins will have to take care of Tua Tagovailoa's contract first

Tua Tagovailoa will enter the final year of his rookie contract with the Miami Dolphins in 2024. The team picked up his fifth-year option. However, the two parties have not yet agreed to a long-term deal. This could be concerning heading into the season.

As things stand, the Dolphins are not willing to give the market value contract for Tagovailoa. The ballpark is in the range of $50-$55 million, which Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff and Jacksonville Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence signed.

"Right now, the Dolphins are not offering the contract that is the market value, based on those other deals that were done. So if this gets there, it's just sort of going to require more negotiations," ESPN's Jeff Darlington said.

He added:

"They are not in the Jared Goff and Trevor Lawrence ballpark. And that to me, speaks volumes about where the negotiations are right now."

If the two parties fail to reach a long-term contract agreement, Tua Tagovailoa will hit the open market next offseason. The Dolphins QB put up an MVP-caliber season in 2023 and has proved himself.

Delaying to get a deal done will only cause more problems for the Miami Dolphins, with the QB market soaring higher by the day.